Each summer, the Perseids – also called “tears from Saint Laurent” – offer one of the most anticipated astronomical shows by passionate astronomy. This year, The phenomenon started on July 17 and will continue until August 24, 2025, with a peak of activity planned on the night of August 12 to 13.
Coming from the comet 109p/Swift-Tuttle, the fragments entering the atmosphere reach speeds close to 59 km/s, creating brilliant light streaks in the sky. During the maximum night, We can observe between 50 and 100 meteors per hour, or even more at times, Especially under a very dark sky.
The 2025 lunar challenge: the almost full moon and its impact on visibility
Unfortunately, this year, the peak of the Perseids coincides with an almost full moon (84 %), This will limit the visibility of the lowest meteors. However, this rain often presents secondary peaks outside the maximum date, and several nights around this period could offer a beautiful spectacle, especially before raising the moon.
For optimal observation, It is advisable to favor nights before the lunar peak, until July 28, period during which the moon will be in more favorable phases (last district then new moon on the 24th).
When to see the #Perseidas In Spain?
His activity began on July 17 and lasts until August 24.
The peak of activity of the “tears of San Lorenzo” is scheduled for the night from August 12 to 13, 2025, when the maximum number of meteors per hour will be reached. pic.twitter.com/vlkOLEtA5U– Juanfran Radio (RVK) (@juanfranradio) July 23, 2025
As usual, another option is to observe the rain of stars after the peak, from August 16, When the shine of the moon begins to decrease. This does not mean that it will be impossible to enjoy the show during the first half of August, but the observation will be more delicate due to the strong light of the almost full moon.
Where and when to observe?
As always, to fully enjoy an astronomical event, it is essential to move away from major cities and their light pollution. Here are three key elements to appreciate this natural spectacle:
- Ideal schedule : generally midnight at dawn, with a particularly favorable period between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. This year, due to the proximity of the full moon at the time of the activity peak, the best niche will be located just after sunset, before the rising of our satellite or as long as it remains low on the horizon.
- Radiant : The Perseids seem to come from the area between Perseus and Cassiopée, very high in the sky at these hours.
- Ideal environment : Flee light pollution. Places like Montsec (Lleida), Canaries, Pyrenees, Sierra de Gredos (Ávila), Monfragüe (Ceceres) or the Cíes (Galic) islands are perfect. Some regions also have a long tradition of stars observation.
The tradition behind the name of “tears of Saint Laurent”
The tradition associated with the Perseids, Also called “tears of Saint Laurent”, is deeply rooted in European popular and religious culture. Their name comes from Saint Laurent, a Christian martyr burned alive on August 10 of the year 258.
According to legendthe shooting stars observed during this period symbolize the tears shed by Saint Laurent during his martyrdom, or even the sparks of the fire that consummed him.
