Meteor showers like the Perseids often gradually increase in intensity and then peak, before rapidly falling off. In other words, the curve is not symmetrical, and now is the time to start looking.

What makes the Perseids great is the quantity of meteors, their showy quality and the August summer nights when you can view them. But this year, there's a caveat.

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.