The Perseid meteor shower takes place each year as Earth travels through the debris shed by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

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.

The Perseids are seen best a couple of hours before dawn on Aug. 13, but it's possible to catch meteors as soon as 10 p.m. local time, per Space.com. Still, maximize your chances by allowing your night vision to adjust to dark skies for about half an hour, and looking approximately 40 degrees above the radiant.