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The annual Perseid meteor shower is lighting up Kansas skies, with the peak occurring tonight, August 12, into the early hours of Wednesday, August 13. This celestial event, caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, offers a display of meteors streaking across the night sky.

According to EarthSky, stargazers in Kansas can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour, depending on local conditions. Ideal viewing times are from midnight to dawn, with the best visibility between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. However, a bright waning gibbous moon may make it challenging to see fainter meteors.

For optimal viewing, find a dark, open area away from city lights. Lie on your back and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes. Look toward the northeastern sky, near the constellation Perseus, where the meteors appear to radiate from.

This year’s Perseid meteor shower is expected to be one of the best of 2025, offering a spectacular natural light show for those who venture out into the night.