Perseid Meteor Shower to Be Observed on Mount Erciyes

Perseid Meteor Shower Observation Event to Take Place on Mount Erciyes in Kayseri

An observation event dedicated to the Perseid meteor shower will take place at the highest accessible point of Mount Erciyes in the central Turkish province of Kayseri.

According to the Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality, the Perseid Meteor Shower Observation Event will be held on August 12. The event has been organized annually since 2020 by Erciyes Inc., the company operating the Erciyes ski resort, together with the Kayseri Science Center.

One of the Best Meteor Showers of the Year

The Perseid meteor shower can be observed every year from mid-July to the end of August, reaching its peak in mid-August. It is considered one of the best meteor showers of the year because of the large number of bright meteors it produces.

Astronomy enthusiasts who want to observe the natural phenomenon, often described as “shooting stars,” will gather at the Hacılar Gate area within the Erciyes ski resort.

The event will take place at an altitude of 2,650 meters, away from major sources of light pollution.

When and Where Can the Perseids Be Seen?

The Perseid meteor shower is best observed in the Northern Hemisphere under clear skies, with an unobstructed horizon and minimal light pollution. Locations away from trees, buildings and artificial lights provide the best conditions for viewing.

The most favorable viewing period is usually several hours before sunrise. However, individual meteors can sometimes be seen from around 10:00 p.m.

The high altitude of Mount Erciyes and its distance from urban light sources are expected to provide favorable conditions for observing the meteor shower.

Free Admission and Telescope Observations

Participation in the event will be free of charge.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about planets and constellations from professional astronomers and observe the night sky through telescopes.

The event is intended not only for experienced astronomy enthusiasts but also for visitors interested in learning more about the night sky and observing one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena of the summer.

What Should Visitors Bring?

Although the event will take place during the summer, temperatures can be considerably lower at an altitude of 2,650 meters, especially during the night and before sunrise.

Representatives of Erciyes Inc. recommend that participants come prepared for cold weather.

• folding chairs or camping chairs;
• warm jackets;
• hats;
• blankets;
• other warm clothing suitable for nighttime mountain conditions.

A Summer Night Under the Stars

The Perseid meteor shower observation event has become an annual tradition in Kayseri since 2020. Its location on Mount Erciyes combines high-altitude mountain scenery with relatively low levels of light pollution, creating favorable conditions for astronomical observations.

Visitors will be able to attend the event free of charge, observe meteors and stars through telescopes, and learn about planets and constellations from professional astronomers.

The Perseid meteor shower is visible annually from mid-July to the end of August, with the peak occurring around the middle of August. Clear skies, an open horizon and minimal light pollution offer the best viewing conditions.