The Perseids are known for being especially swift and bright, and in a good year viewers can expect to spot between 50 and 100 meteors in an hour. This year, with moonlight hampering dark skies, fewer than half the usual number of meteors could be visible. Still, 25 shooting stars an hour is worth waking up early for.

The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak this week, but it may be hindered by the brightness of August's full moon. Here's what to know.