The Perseids return each summer as Earth passes through debris left by comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle. Their peak date and viewing conditions change from year to year.
The shower is usually active from mid-July to late August. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, though their paths appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus.
The next peak is expected on the night of 12–13 August 2027. A bright Moon will make fainter meteors harder to see while it is above the horizon. Check the International Meteor Organization calendar for the latest dates and conditions.
How to watch the Perseids
Perseid activity is generally strongest after midnight and towards dawn, although some meteors may be visible earlier in the evening. Numbers depend on the sky, location and conditions.
Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
Choose a location away from bright lights where you have permission to be, and allow time for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
You do not need binoculars or a telescope: meteors can appear across the sky. A garden or other accessible dark location can work well.
Five best local areas in and near Buxton for stargazing
Solomon’s Temple
Solomon’s Temple stands at 439 metres (around 1,440 feet) above sea level and offers wide views. The approach is uneven; take a torch and check access and parking before setting out.
How to get there:
From Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park on Green Lane, SK17 9DH, follow a woodland path uphill to the tower. Check car park access before a night visit.
Goyt Valley
The Goyt Valley, north-west of Buxton, has reservoirs and open moorland away from the town centre. Take care on uneven ground after dark, and stay out of the reservoirs.
How to get there:
One route into the valley is from the A5004 between Buxton and Whaley Bridge. Check parking and road access before travelling: United Utilities lists Derbyshire Bridge car park as open 9am–4pm, so it is not a late-night parking option.
Corbar Cross
Corbar Cross offers views over Buxton. The approach through Corbar Woods is steep and uneven in places, and town lights may affect viewing.
How to get there:
From Corbar Road, follow a suitable public route uphill. Check Buxton Civic Association updates and any signs for temporary forestry closures.
Fairfield Common
Fairfield Common is an open area near Fairfield that includes a golf course. Use public routes and respect signs and other users; the A6 runs through the area.
How to get there:
The common is beside the A6 and North Road in Fairfield. Keep clear of traffic and check access before settling on a viewing spot.
The Roaches
The Roaches lie south of Buxton, towards Leek. The rocky ridge is exposed and paths can be steep and uneven; check the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s visitor information and parking guidance before travelling.
How to get there:
The Roaches are near Upper Hulme, towards Leek. See Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s directions, parking and access information before travelling.
What is a meteor shower?
A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris stream occupying the orbit of a comet, in this case comet Swift-Tuttle.
Perspective makes meteor showers appear to originate from a single point in the sky, known as the radiant. According to NASA, Perseid particles enter the atmosphere at about 59 kilometres per second (roughly 132,000 mph).
Some unusually bright meteors are called fireballs; they can leave a glowing trail that slowly fades.
The Perseids appear to originate from within the star constellation Perseus, hence the shower’s name.
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