Kazakhstanis to witness a rare celestial phenomenon
Tengrinews.kz - Each year, skywatchers in Kazakhstan get the chance to witness one of nature’s most dazzling displays — the Perseid meteor shower. Tengrinews.kz explains when and where to catch it this year.
What are the Perseids?
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular astronomical events visible from Kazakhstan, typically active from late July to late August. The spectacle occurs as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by Comet Swift–Tuttle. When tiny particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks across the sky — meteors.
The Perseids are especially popular for their high intensity — you can often see a meteor every 4-6 minutes, and sometimes even more frequently. Under ideal conditions, the shower can produce up to 90-110 meteors per hour.
However, scientists warn that in 2025, the shower's peak will coincide with a full moon, which may make it harder to see the meteors clearly.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Best time to watch
The peak activity is expected on the nights of August 11, 12, and 13. But with the full moon occurring on August 9, the moonlight will likely interfere with visibility. Still, many Perseids are bright enough to be seen even with the glare. The best viewing time is after midnight until dawn, especially between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m.
For a better chance of catching more meteors, astronomers recommend watching in late July and early August, before the moon becomes too bright.
During this time, you might also spot meteors from the Delta Aquariids and a close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on the morning of August 12.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Where to watch
The key to a great meteor-viewing experience is avoiding light pollution. City lights and streetlamps can wash out the night sky, making meteors difficult to spot. That’s why astronomers recommend heading out of town — to the steppe, rural areas, or elevated terrain.
For residents of Almaty, northern directions are better than heading into the mountains, as light pollution is less intense in that direction.
No telescope or binoculars are needed — meteors are best seen with the naked eye. Bring a blanket, chair, or reclining lounger so you can lie back comfortably. Experts say watching the sky in a relaxed position helps you see more.
If the moonlight is too bright, try blocking it with a tree, building, or other object to reduce glare.
Photo: Tengrinews.kz / Turar Kazangapov
Don’t want to plan your own trip? You can join organized night tours outside the city. Prices range from 10,000 to 60,000 tenge per person, depending on the location and package.
Tours often include transportation, light meals, stargazing sessions, and photos under the meteor-lit sky. Some are timed specifically for the night of peak activity, August 12-13.
For example, in Shymkent, you can join a group trip to the “Valley of Ancestors” for 15,000 tenge. In Almaty, a popular destination is the Assy Plateau, with trips starting at 25,000 tenge.
How to spot the Perseids
The meteors appear to radiate from the Perseus constellation, which gives the shower its name. Here’s how to find it:
Face north.
Locate the Big Dipper (Ursa Major).
Look above it for Cassiopeia, shaped like a “W” or “M”.
Below Cassiopeia lies Perseus, where the meteors seem to originate.
You can also use stargazing apps like Sky Map, Star Walk, or Stellarium to help orient yourself in the night sky.
Before heading out, check the weather forecast for your area — even a few clouds can spoil the show.
When the shower ends
According to EarthSky, the Perseids are active from July 14 to September 1, with peak visibility in mid-August. After August 13, activity gradually slows, but under clear, dark skies, you might still catch some shooting stars until the end of the month.
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