The official three-letter shower code for the 2026 Perseids is PER.
Meteor-shower catalogs use compact identifiers so observations can be recorded consistently across languages, instruments and observing networks. PER is the standard code associated with the Perseids, while the shower’s numerical designation in the International Meteor Organization’s 2026 calendar is 007.
The code is an abbreviation for Perseids, not for the parent comet. The comet has a separate formal designation, 109P/Swift–Tuttle. Keeping the shower code and comet designation distinct prevents a common cataloging error.
Codes are especially useful when multiple meteor showers are active during the same season. Observers can assign a meteor to a shower using its apparent path, radiant and timing, then record it under the appropriate identifier. During August, sporadic meteors and other minor showers can appear alongside Perseids, so a short standardized code helps organize the data.