"Fetasteria" in the Cypriot sky – When the Persides peak
When: 12.08.2026 00:00
Organizer: Admin
The Perseids are born from microscopic dust particles left behind by comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle
With a special announcement, the Cyprus Astronomical Organization (KOAS–DarkSky) invites the public to turn their gaze to the night sky and enjoy the shower of falling Perseids, whose peak is expected on the night of August 12th to 13th. As noted, this year's conditions are considered especially favorable, as the peak of the phenomenon almost coincides with the New Moon, offering ideal observing conditions from dark areas of Cyprus.
This is the announcement
In the heart of August, when the day's heat recedes and the earth is given a brief respite in silence, the sky begins to light up with small, fleeting cracks.
We call them “falling stars”, even though no star actually falls.
The Perseids are born from microscopic dust particles left behind by comet 109P/Swift–Tuttle during its distant passages through the inner Solar System. Each year, Earth traverses this invisible trail. The particles enter the atmosphere at a speed of about 59 kilometers per second, heat up suddenly and vaporize, drawing bright streaks across the night veil for brief moments.
It is strange: something so small, almost insignificant in the Universe, can, for a single moment, illuminate the entire celestial dome.
Perseid activity runs from July 17th to August 24th, and its peak for 2026 is expected on the night of Wednesday 12th to Thursday 13th August.
The best observing hours from Cyprus will be after midnight until the early morning hours. Then, as Earth's rotation turns our region toward the direction of its orbit around the Sun, we encounter more particles, while the constellation Perseus — from whose area the meteors appear to originate — climbs higher in the sky.
Under truly dark and clear conditions, the theoretical activity can approach 100 meteors per hour. In practice, however, the number one observes depends on light pollution, atmospheric clarity, the available field of view, and, of course, the observer's patience.
This year's prospects are extremely favorable. The peak almost coincides with the New Moon, which will occur on August 12th at 20:36 Cyprus time. Without the bright lunar light, even the fainter meteors will have the chance to appear in the darkness — like the Nymph in the midst of night.
The sky will be dark — or, at least, as dark as we allowed it to remain.
KOAS–DarkSky will not organize a special event this year for observing the Perseids, as several activities have already been scheduled by various clubs and organized groups. We invite the public to take part in them, support the organizers, and share the knowledge and joy of observation.
For those, however, seeking a quieter and more personal encounter with the phenomenon, our suggestion is simple:
Find a dark spot, away from cities, crowds, and unnecessary lighting. Go with a few friends or with people with whom you can even share silence. Put phones aside, avoid bright screens, and give your eyes at least twenty minutes to adapt to the darkness.
A telescope is not needed.
No tents are needed.
The Perseids are best observed with the naked eye, scanning a large area of the sky and not exclusively toward Perseus.
And perhaps, for one night, there is no need to photograph what we see.
Not every moment is required to be turned into an image to prove it happened.
Some moments are more valuable when they remain where they were born: in memory, within the silence of a dark night.
The Perseids do not come to promise us anything. They do not know our wishes but
Source: https://www.checkincyprus.com/article/88447/pephtasteria-ston-kupriako-ourano-pote-koruphonontai-oi-perseides/
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