The American Meteor Society also notes that the moon may give viewers some difficulty. Perseids' peak occurs just three days after August's full moon, so the moon will still be mostly full. Thus, it is highly probable that light pollution from the moon may reduce the number of visible meteors by a hefty margin, depending on how things go.

What makes the Perseids great is the quantity of meteors, their showy quality and the August summer nights when you can view them. But this year, there's a caveat.