The Perseid meteor shower, one of the best meteor showers of the year, is going to peak this week. And the shooting stars should be visible in the Boston area and around Massachusetts.The Perseid meteor shower has a terrific history complete with some amazing shows.

The Perseids meteor shower peaks this week. Weather conditions won’t be perfect, but local amateur astronomer and Sky and Telescope’s senior editor Kelly Beatty said that shouldn’t stop anyone from going out and enjoying the night sky.

The best time to watch a meteor shower is in the early predawn hours when the moon is low in the sky. Competing sources of light — such as a bright moon or artificial glow — are the main obstacles to a clear view of meteors. Cloudless nights when the moon wanes smallest are optimal viewing opportunities.