Look Up, Oxford: The Perseids Are About to Put on a Show

If you haven’t glanced at your calendar this week, here’s a reason to: the Perseid meteor shower — one of the best of the year — peaks tonight and tomorrow night, August 12–13. And this year’s timing couldn’t be better.

Why This Year Is Special

The Perseids happen every summer as Earth passes through debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle. But 2026 has a bonus: the peak lines up almost exactly with a new moon, meaning there’s no moonlight to wash out the show. Under clear, dark skies, skywatchers could see 50 to 100+ meteors an hour — some of the best viewing conditions we’ll get in years.

How to Catch It

• Best time: Midnight to just before dawn, on the nights of August 12 and 13

• Best spot: Somewhere dark, away from streetlights and porch lights — a backyard, a rural road, or a local park

• What you need: A blanket or lawn chair, bug spray, and patience. No telescope required — in fact, a wide-open view of the sky works better than any lens

• Pro tip: Give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark before you start counting shooting stars

A Quick Word From Your Neighborhood Agent

Whether you’re heading out to your own backyard or driving out toward the county roads for darker skies, we just want to say: enjoy the show, and travel safe. A few easy reminders for stargazing night:

• If you’re driving to a rural spot after dark, watch for deer and other wildlife on the road

• Parking on the shoulder? Make sure your hazards are on and you’re clear of traffic

• If little ones are staying up late for the show, a flashlight and a buddy system go a long way

We love living somewhere with skies dark enough to actually see this stuff. Grab a blanket, find a good patch of grass, and enjoy one of nature’s best free shows.

Questions about your home, auto, commercial, or umbrella coverage before your next adventure? SafeHarbour Insurance is here for you — give us a call at 662-510-4624 or stop by our Oxford office at 426 S Lamar Blvd, Suite 16.