According to NASA, about how many 2026 Perseids may observers see per hour under dark skies?

NASA gives about 25 meteors per hour as an expected observed rate for the 2026 Perseids under dark skies.

That figure is a practical viewing estimate rather than the shower’s theoretical ZHR. The zenithal hourly rate assumes a perfectly dark sky, an unobstructed horizon, a radiant overhead, and an observer able to see faint meteors. Real observers normally see fewer.

Light pollution, clouds, haze, trees, buildings, and the radiant’s altitude all reduce the visible count. Even under rural conditions, not every meteor crossing the sky is bright enough or positioned within an observer’s view.

The 2026 Perseids benefit from a dark, nearly moonless peak period, but the estimate still describes ordinary observing rather than a guaranteed hourly total. Individual viewing results can vary substantially with location and conditions.