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Shining shooting stars: The best places to observe the Perseids!
Experience the Perseids 2025 over Brandenburg: Best observation locations, events and everything about the meteor shower on August 12th.
Shining shooting stars: The best places to observe the Perseids!
The nights of August 12th to 13th are all about the Perseids. During this period, astronomy enthusiasts can observe up to 100 shooting stars per hour, especially under optimal viewing conditions. According to information from maz-online.de This natural phenomenon is a real eye-catcher, which is particularly effective in the Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, one of the best observation locations with little light pollution.
The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus, are formed by the comet's dust tail 109P/Swift Tuttle. Earth crosses the path of this comet, causing the remnants to burn up in the atmosphere and appear as glowing meteors. The comet itself has an impressive history: it was first discovered in 1862 and has an orbital period of around 133 years. Its next major appearance is expected in 2126, earning it the title of one of the most dangerous objects in the solar system.
Observation opportunities and events
The height of the meteor shower will be reached on the night of August 12th to 13th, with most meteors particularly visible around three in the morning when Perseus is higher in the sky. A bright moon phase could limit visibility, but numerous events invite you to experience the celestial phenomenon together. For example, an information event will take place in the Urania Planetarium Potsdam. There is also an observation night in the north of Potsdam and a star hike in the Stechlin-Ruppiner Land Nature Park. The “Night of the Perseids” is celebrated in the Westhavelland Star Park on August 12th.
To enjoy the shooting stars in their full splendor, it is advisable to let your eyes get used to the darkness for about 30 minutes. This patience could pay off as fireballs, particularly bright meteors, are also visible under ideal conditions.
Light pollution and its effects
A problem that should not be underestimated is light pollution, which obscures the view of the night sky, especially in urban areas. Events such as the meteor camp in the Swabian Alb biosphere area address this problem and shed light on how headlights and street lamps influence the night sky. Light effects not only put a strain on the starry sky, but also flora and fauna suffer. Every year, over a billion nocturnal animals die from light sources, while plants often suffer from frost damage and crop failure.
Initiatives such as “Lights off, sky on” call for a conscious use of light. It is recommended to turn off unnecessary light sources to improve your view of the stars. Enjoying the darkness a little more could not only delight spectators in the sky, but also save habitat for many species.
The natural phenomenon of the Perseids not only brings with it impressive shooting stars, but also raises questions about the preservation of our night skies. Don't miss these fascinating nights - and get ready to observe the magic of the universe!