The Perseidas are a meteor shower that occurs annually, typically peaking around August 12th. They are named after the constellation Perseus, from which they appear to originate. This meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. During the peak, observers can see up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The meteors are known for their bright and fast streaks across the night sky, often leaving glowing trails. The Perseidas are popular among stargazers and are best viewed in dark areas away from city lights.