The Perseids are known for being especially swift and bright, and in a good year viewers can expect to spot between 50 and 100 meteors in an hour. This year, with moonlight hampering dark skies, fewer than half the usual number of meteors could be visible. Still, 25 shooting stars an hour is worth waking up early for.

The Perseid meteor shower takes place each year as Earth travels through the debris shed by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

Every year in August, the Earth sails through a dusty debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle, creating the spectacular Perseid meteor shower. Here's how and when to watch this cosmic display.