After weeks of cloudy skies and cold nights, Pretoria residents are in for a celestial treat as the Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight.

Known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors, the Perseids promise a dazzling show for those willing to step outside after dark.

Stargazers are urged to find a clear, dark spot away from city lights to catch the best view of one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year.

This year’s peak occurred on the night of August 12–13, and tonight (August 13 into the early hours of August 14) should still offer good meteor activity, albeit potentially reduced due to a bright, waning gibbous Moon (around 80–86% illumination)

What to Expect:

• Observers in South Africa can still catch sporadic Perseid meteors tonight.
• Expect 10–20 meteors per hour under these moonlit conditions — fewer than in a dark-moon year, but still worth watching.

Best Viewing Strategy for Pretoria:

• Step outside after midnight, when the sky is at its darkest and the radiant in Perseus has climbed higher
• Choose a spot away from city lights — even the glare of streetlights can wash out faint meteors
• Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20–30 minutes, ideally while lying down with a wide view of the sky

Also read: SASSA payment dates for September 2025: What you need to know

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.