August is, every year, a bountiful month for those who enjoy gazing at the sky, and 2026 will be even more spectacular than usual: on the same day that Portugal witnesses the solar eclipse, the night of August 12–13 will also feature the peak of one of the most anticipated meteor showers on the calendar: the Perseids, with particularly good viewing conditions.
The most anticipated meteor shower of the summer
The Perseids result from the debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle along its orbit. Every year, between mid-July and late August, Earth passes through this band of cosmic dust, and the small fragments burn up as they enter the atmosphere, giving rise to shooting stars.
As previously mentioned, the peak is expected on the night of August 12–13, with activity intensifying after midnight and reaching its peak in the early morning hours.
This year, the new moon occurs precisely on August 12, which means that moonlight should not be a source of interference, making it easier to observe even the faintest meteors. Under ideal conditions—that is , with a clear sky and minimal light pollution—the theoretical rate can range from 60 to 100 meteors per hour, providing favorable conditions for observing the phenomenon.
How to enjoy the night in Porto
No binoculars, telescope, or other equipment is needed: the Perseids can be seen with the naked eye; all you need is a little patience and a location with minimal artificial light around you. Within the city, larger parks farther from traffic may offer better viewing conditions; for those who can leave Porto, the mountains and rural areas can provide even better conditions, away from light pollution—provided the sky is clear.
It’s worth remembering that, as with any sky observation, everything also depends on the weather. A cloudy night can spoil the show, but the meteor shower remains active in the following days.
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