Filipino skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as the Perseid and Aurigids meteor showers will paint the night sky with stunning streaks of light this month.

In its astronomical diary for August, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the Perseid meteor shower, created by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, can be witnessed from July 17 to Aug. 24, with peak activity on Aug. 12.

During its peak, the meteor shower is expected to produce about 150 meteors per hour.

PAGASA said that in Manila, the shower will be active from 10:05 p.m. until dawn at around 5:16 a.m., when the constellation Aquarius, its radiant point, will be above the horizon.

“The radiant point is highest in the sky at around 6 a.m., thus, the best view of the meteor is likely produced shortly before sunrise,” PAGASA said.

“The Moon in its first quarter phase will present minimal interference on the meteor shower viewing,” it added.

Another meteor shower to observe this month is the Aurigids.

PAGASA said this shower will be active from Aug. 28 to Sept. 5, with its peak on Aug. 31.

“It will be visible from 12:29 a.m. until around 5:19 a.m., when its radiant point, the constellation Auriga, is above the eastern horizon, with an expected estimate of six meteors per hour,” PAGASA said.

“The radiant point is highest in the sky around 7 a.m. producing its best display shortly before dawn. Moonlight will present minimal interference in the meteor observation as the shower peaks near the new moon phase,” it added.

PAGASA said meteor showers are visible to the naked eye, so no special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars is needed.

However, to maximize the viewing experience, it is advised to choose a dark observation site away from city lights and under clear and moonless skies.