Perseid shower lights Bolton skies tonight

The Perseid meteor shower will brighten Bolton and the UK with a dazzling night sky display.

Perseid shower lights Bolton skies tonight

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the brightest and fastest displays of the year as Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. Meteors strike the atmosphere at speeds between seven and 45 miles per second, burning up and leaving bright trails as they vaporise. Smaller meteors fade quickly while larger ones can explode as fireballs. The shower is expected to produce up to 100 shooting stars on a clear night and remains visible until August 24, with a peak forecast for August 12.

For the best view, observers should seek a dark site away from city lights and give their eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Clear skies and patience are key, and viewers are advised to dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair to settle in for a long look upward.

Public astronomy often shines brightest when skies cooperate and communities gather outside. This Bolton display shows how a simple, shared sky event can engage families, students and casual observers alike without any special equipment.

Two tensions frame the moment: the weather and the level of light pollution. When conditions cooperate, the event can foster a sense of connection and curiosity that lasts beyond the night. If the sky stays cloudy or bright, the impact fades, underscoring how much visibility depends on local conditions and municipal light planning.

Highlights

The night may end, but curiosity can stay awake with the stars