The Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak over Cyprus on Wednesday night, 12 August, offering spectacular views under a moonless sky.
Several astronomy events are being organised in mountain communities, inviting people of all ages to watch the annual meteor shower and explore the night sky.
Astronomers say the lack of moonlight this year will provide particularly favourable conditions for observing even fainter meteors.
Up to 100 meteors an hour
The Perseids are considered one of the most impressive annual meteor showers.
According to the Troodos Observatory, the peak will occur from Wednesday evening into the early hours of Thursday, 13 August, with up to 100 visible meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
The event coincides with the New Moon, leaving the night sky completely moonless and improving visibility.
Astronomy night in Kyperounta
An astronomy evening will be held in Kyperounta from 21:00 in the courtyard of the Church of Saint Arsenios.
The event is organised by the Cyprus Astronomical Society, the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation and the Fakas Educational Observatory, in cooperation with the Community Council.
Astrophysicist Chrysanthos Fakas encouraged visitors to bring warm clothing and blankets so they can lie down and watch the sky.
The programme will also include talks, while people with telescopes and cameras are welcome to bring their equipment to observe and photograph the Perseids.
Fakas also referred to the total solar eclipse taking place on the same day. The eclipse will not be visible from Cyprus but will be seen in parts of western Europe.
Events at Amiantos Astropark
An astronomy night will also be held at Amiantos Astropark by the AstroVerce Astronomy Club, in cooperation with the Cyprus Planetarium and with permission from the Department of Forests.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive from 19:00. Seven telescopes will be available for observing the Perseid meteor shower.
A sky map presentation will take place at 20:30 to help visitors identify constellations and better understand the night sky.
The organisers have advised visitors to bring warm clothes, chairs, food and drinks, although no food or drinks should be left behind.
Lighting fires is strictly prohibited.
The Nightsky Explorers Club will also hold an event at Amiantos Astropark from 20:00, giving visitors the opportunity to observe planets, stars and other celestial objects through telescopes.
Visitors can also bring sleeping bags or tents and stay throughout the night.
Free observation at Troodos Observatory
The Troodos Observatory will offer free stargazing from 20:00 on Wednesday at its site in Agriadia, with optional activities available.
The observatory said the moonless conditions should make this year’s Perseid meteor shower particularly favourable for observation.
Its panoramic sky camera at the SPICA Observatory in Prodromos will also broadcast live online each night.
The observatory urged visitors to respect the natural environment, avoid pollution and refrain from lighting fires.
More events across the mountains
A Perseid night will also be held at Kampos Astropark near the Forest Heritage Museum in Kampos. The event starts at 21:00.
Meanwhile, the Larnaca Photographic Club is organising an astrophotography outing at Prodromos Dam in Troodos from 21:30.
The event is open to anyone interested in night-sky photography, regardless of experience.
Organisers across the various events recommend wearing warm clothing, as temperatures can fall significantly in the mountains after dark. Visitors are also advised to avoid using bright torches so that darkness is maintained for stargazing and to leave natural areas clean.
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