Perseid meteor shower peaks this week. Will Qatar get a good view?

Doha, Qatar: The Perseid meteor shower, peaking in mid August, is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular meteor displays of the year. In 2024,...

Doha, Qatar: The Perseid meteor shower, peaking in mid-August, is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular meteor displays of the year. In 2024, thousands gathered in Al Kharrara, Al Wakrah to witness more than 100 meteors per hour streaking across the sky during its peak.

Can skywatchers in Qatar expect the same dazzling show this year?

Doha-based astrophotographer Ajith Everester, founder of the Everester Observatory, told The Peninsula that the Perseids will peak between August 12 and 13. However, this year’s viewing conditions are far from ideal, mainly due to bright moonlight and potential cloud cover.

“The Perseids typically produce up to 100 meteors per hour,” Everester said. “Unfortunately, this year the full moon coincides with the peak. It will rise shortly after dark on August 12 and stay high in the sky until dawn, washing out much of the meteor activity.”

He added that with the moon about 92% illuminated, along with expected cloud cover and high humidity during the peak nights, skywatchers in Qatar should expect to see no more than 8–10 meteors per hour. “If we see more than that, we’ll consider ourselves lucky,” he said.