Peaking in mid-August ( Aug. 12 ), NASA considers this “the best meteor shower of the year,” noting, “With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long ‘wakes’ of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere.”

The night sky is about to deliver a rapid-fire series of spectacles, giving stargazers three reasons to look up over just five nights. With clear skies and a little planning, sky-watchers can capture all three events.

The Perseids, one of the most popular annual meteor showers, will peak on the night of August 12-13. While active from late July to August 24, this two-night window is expected to be the most intense, with up to 150 meteors per hour or 2-3 per minute, according to Space.com .