Shower of shooting stars over Bremen: How to experience the Perseids!

Shower of shooting stars over Bremen: How to experience the Perseids!

On a clear night in August it's time again: “Look at shooting stars!” Because like every year, comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle provides a fascinating shower of meteors that gives us the opportunity to look into the vastness of the universe. Especially on the night of August 12, 2025, there will be a spectacle in the sky that will particularly impress with moments of happiness in the constellation Perseus.

But what exactly causes this shower of stars? Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is a short-period comet with an orbital period of about 133 years. Every season around August 12th, the Earth crosses its orbit, releasing rocks into our atmosphere. These burn up and appear to us in the form of bright “shooting stars”. Interestingly, this comet has a size of around 26 km and is classified by astronomers as a near-Earth object because it can approach the Earth up to around 133,500 km. Buten un binnen provides the details of the upcoming event.

The perfect time and place

The exact peak of the Perseid shower is expected this year on the evening of August 12th, and the best visibility will be in the second half of the night. So that your brain doesn't have to strain too much, we recommend a clear view towards the northeast. If you are in Bremen, you should definitely go to the Metalhenge viewpoint, because here you can enjoy the stars without the annoying light pollution of the city.

The weather will be largely dry this night, although there may be some more cloudiness in more northern regions. For the people of Bremen, the weather will be pleasant with temperatures between 13 and 20 degrees. A small drawback, however, could be the light from the almost full moon, which could affect the view of the shooting stars. Bad news for the romantics among us!

A look into history

Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle was first discovered in 1862 by astronomers Lewis A. Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle. The comet's orbit, whose eccentric orbit is about 0.963, shows the impressive orbital data such as its perihelion of 0.960 astronomical units and a maximum brightness of up to 2 mag during its visibility. The next flyby is expected again in 2126, but don't worry, a collision with Earth is not in the cards. Wikipedia gives a comprehensive overview of the data and facts of this fascinating celestial phenomenon.

Nowadays it is almost a custom to gather with friends or family under the starry sky to enjoy this view together. So pack up your blankets, find a quiet place and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Perseids. Who knows, maybe the wish you see at the first shooting star will soon come true.

For more exciting information about the Perseid shower and tips for the best observation, visit the website Mirror.