Swiss Towns to Turn Off Lights for Meteor Shower Viewing

On August 12-13, Switzerland will have a great chance to see the Perseids meteor shower. This is a natural event where up to 200 shooting stars can be seen every hour. To help people see it better, over 250 towns and cities in western Switzerland will turn off their public lights.

Peak of Perseids Meteor Shower Over Swiss Cities on August 12

The Perseids meteor shower is one of the biggest events for stargazing. It happens every year between July and August, with the peak in Switzerland expected on August 12, 2024. The meteor shower comes from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As the dust from the comet enters Earth’s atmosphere, it burns up, creating the bright lights we call shooting stars. These shooting stars travel very fast, about 60 kilometers per second.

Swiss Towns to Turn Off Public Lights During Meteor Shower

To help people see the meteor shower, 250 towns and cities in the French-speaking part of Switzerland will turn off their public lights during the peak time. Some towns will turn off lights in certain areas, while others will turn them off completely. This will reduce light pollution and make it easier to see the shooting stars.

Major cities like Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Yverdon-Les-Bains, Nyon, and parts of Geneva will take part in this event. The goal of Project Perséides is to eventually turn off public lights across all of Europe during the Perseids meteor shower. This also helps raise awareness about how light pollution affects wildlife and human health.

How to Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower in Switzerland

On August 12, 2024, the moon will be half-lit, but natural light pollution should not be a big problem. The weather might still be an issue. The shooting stars will mostly appear from the northeast to east above the horizon, from the Perseus constellation.

To see the shooting stars better, go to a place with little light pollution. Once there, give your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.