The Perseids are usually active between July and late August, but the shower will peak on Aug. 12 or 13 as Earth crosses the thickest part of comet Swift-Tuttle's debris trail. Swift-Tuttle was last seen in 1992 and won't be visible to the naked eye until the year 2126.

A bright moon will make it hard to see the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August, but one night this week offers a decent chance of seeing some shooting stars.

The Perseid meteor shower is widely considered the best meteor shower for the average person to view in the night sky. It’s so stunning it inspired a lyric in John Denver’s iconic song “Rocky Mountain High.