The Perseids — one of the most popular meteor showers of the year — peak in mid-August, when Earth passes through debris left by comet Swift-Tuttle. This countdown runs to the peak night.
At its peak the Perseids can produce 50–100 meteors an hour under dark skies, including bright fireballs. They appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, hence the name.
No telescope needed — just get away from city lights, let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes, and look up. The best viewing is usually after midnight.