The combination of water sports and stargazing creates a special atmosphere. On the water, far away from artificial light, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the night sky. The Perseids, one of the most active meteor showers of the year, are active from 17 July to 24 August, with the peak around 12 August. During this time, the Earth passes through the dust trail of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The dust particles enter our atmosphere at high speed and become visible as luminous shooting stars. The best observation times are in the early morning hours between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., just before dawn. Under optimal conditions, up to 100 shooting stars can be observed per hour.
However, there is one difficulty in 2025: the full moon on 9 August will illuminate the night sky three days before the peak of the Perseids. This will outshine many of the fainter meteors, leaving only the brighter ones visible. To counteract this effect, observers can move their sightings to the early hours of the morning or use the days after the peak when the moonlight is less intense.
The best places for stargazing
The best places are those that are far away from artificial light sources. Ideally, bays without buildings or even promenade and restaurant lighting. However, the following locations are particularly suitable as they offer both dark skies and good harbour facilities:
Germany:
1st Spiekeroog
This official "star island" offers one of the darkest skies in Germany. The observation points in the dunes, on the beach or at the "Dunkelort" below the Utkieker are particularly recommended. The harbour in Neuharlingersiel is the starting point for ferries and boats to Spiekeroog.
2. pellworm
Pellworm is the first star island in Schleswig-Holstein to offer an exceptionally dark night sky. The island consistently reduces artificial lighting and sets up special "stargazing" spots. You can reach Pellworm by boat via the ferry pier in Strucklahnungshörn on the Nordstrand peninsula.
3. nature park Westhavelland
Although not primarily known for boat trips, the Westhavelland Star Park offers an interesting option for sailors on the Havel. Activities such as moonlight paddling are offered here, and you can paddle along the river in a small boat or canoe while enjoying the starry sky.
Denmark:
1. møn and Nyord
These Danish islands were recognised as Northern Europe's first Dark Sky Parks in 2017. Nyord harbour offers 55 berths with all the necessary facilities. Several harbours are available on Møn, including Stege, Klintholm and Hårbølle. Both islands offer organised stargazing tours with telescopes and expert guidance.
2. anholt
This remote island between Denmark and Sweden offers one of the darkest skies in the region. Marina Anholt is a favourite port of call for sailors in summer.
Where do the Perseids get their name from?
The Perseids owe their name to the constellation Perseus, from which the shooting stars appear to come. This point in the sky is known as the radiant. The name is derived from the Greek word "Perseids", which means "the sons of Perseus" in Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae, famous for beheading Medusa. Although the name goes back to the constellation, the actual origin of the Perseids is a cloud of dust from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, through which the Earth passes annually on its orbit around the sun.
Photography tips
Photographing shooting stars from a boat presents special challenges, but also offers unique perspectives:
1. stabilise equipment
Stability is particularly important on a boat. A heavy tripod should be used, which also applies to smartphone shots, and, if possible, the boat should be anchored securely in a bay that is as calm as possible for the shots. It should be calm enough in the harbour, but it is better to go on the jetty. Tips for anchoring safely have been summarised in this article.
2. camera settings
SLR
- Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or larger)
- Set the camera to manual mode (M)
- ISO between 1600 and 3200
- Exposure time between 15 and 30 seconds
- Focus manually to infinity
- White balance between 3400 and 4000 K
Smartphone
- Manual exposure settings
- Wide-angle camera
- Long exposure times (at least 10 seconds)
- Ideally a night mode
- Switch off flash
The standard camera app on many smartphones does not offer the necessary manual setting options. Recommended apps are:
- For iOS: ProCam or NightCap
- For Android: ProCam X or a similar app with manual settings
3. recording technology
- Point the camera in the direction of the constellation Perseus (north-east)
- Take continuous shots without waiting until a shooting star is visible. If the shutter is only released when it becomes visible, it is too late. This means a lot of useless shots, but you can always delete them afterwards
- Do not move the camera between shots
- Multiple cameras increase the chances
Northern lights are also a popular photo motif for sailors. We have summarised what to look out for in this article compiled.
Why do you want something from a shooting star?
The custom of making a wish at a shooting star dates back to ancient times and has developed over centuries in various cultures.
The ancient Greeks regarded shooting stars as messages from the gods - a perfect moment to make a wish. In the Middle Ages, another beautiful idea emerged: it was believed that angels polished the stars, and if a shining "celestial wick" fell to earth, an angel was present - a favourable opportunity to make a wish.
The name "shooting star" itself comes from the medieval word "Schnuppe", which referred to the charred end of a candle wick. People saw similarities between the glowing wick ends that fell to the ground when cleaning candles and the glowing streaks in the sky.
The rules of wishing
- The wish must not be spoken out loud
- You should think about the wish as long as the shooting star is still visible
- You shouldn't tell anyone what you've wished for
Psychological significance
Although there is no scientific evidence that shooting stars fulfil wishes, this custom has a profound psychological effect. The magical moment of a shooting star makes us pause and formulate our deepest wishes. This process can help us to recognise our true goals and motivate us to work towards their realisation.
The universal nature of this custom connects people across generations and cultures. It allows us to believe in the magic of the universe for a brief moment and express our hopes - a timeless ritual that combines science and fantasy in a wonderful way.
Cockpit whispers: The Perseids narrative
You can read the following story to your family, children, grandchildren or friends while observing in the cockpit. Incidentally, red light is best suited for this, as it does not destroy the dark adaptation that we need for observing celestial objects.
The dance of the Perseids
A story for shooting star nights
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, the sky was full of mysteries and people looked up to the stars to find answers. In a small fishing village on the coast lived a girl called Stella. Stella loved the sea and the starry sky that was reflected in it at night. She could sit for hours in the small bay where her father's boat was anchored and look up at the stars from the glittering water.
She often sat there with her grandfather. The old sailor with a weather-beaten face and eyes as blue as the deep sea could read the sky like a map. They used to show him the way across the open sea. "Soon the tears of Perseus will fall," he said quietly in his deep, calm voice and pointed up into the starry sky. "The fishermen have called them that for generations, because they come every year in August when the constellation Perseus is high in the sky." "Tears?" asked Stella. "Why do the stars cry, Grandad?"
The old man smiled and put an arm around his granddaughter. "That's a story as old as seafaring itself. Would you like to hear it?"
"Yes," said Stella with shining eyes and cuddled up to her grandfather.
"In ancient times, when the gods still walked among men, there lived a brave hero called Perseus. Zeus, the father of the gods, was his father, but Perseus grew up as a simple boy. One day he was given a dangerous task: he was to kill Medusa, a terrible creature with snake hair whose gaze turned everyone to stone. The gods gave Perseus a reflective shield, winged sandals and a helmet that made him invisible. Thus equipped, he found the Medusa and killed her without looking directly into her eyes.
On the way back, he passed through a ravine with high cliffs. He vaguely recognised a strange statue. Its pale face gleamed against the rough rock face. Her body looked so lifeless that he thought she was carved from marble. But when the wind gently stirred her hair and a solitary tear trickled down her cheek, he realised that she was alive.
Andromeda was to be sacrificed and was chained to the rock. Her mother had angered the sea god Poseidon and his sea monster because she had claimed that Andromeda was more beautiful than the sea nymphs. Perseus freed her and Andromeda became his wife. They lived happily together for a long time.
The gods were so pleased with Perseus' heroic deeds that they placed him and Andromeda in the sky as constellations after their deaths. But what most people don't realise: Every summer, Perseus comes back to life. He crosses the night sky with his sword and cuts out small pieces. These then fall to earth as glowing tears - not out of sadness, but out of joy at his eternal love for Andromeda.
And so, year after year, the Perseids show us that true love and courage never fade, but live on forever in the sky."
Stella's eyes shone in the moonlight. "And when can we see those tears, Grandad?"
"Soon, my little one. They will be most numerous in the next few nights. We will take the boat and go out where the sea is dark and the sky is clear."
Three nights later, grandfather sailed out to the calm sea with Stella. They anchored in a sheltered bay, far away from any light from the village. There they spread blankets on the deck and lay on their backs, their eyes fixed on the starry sky.
The evening was warm, the sea calm and the sky slowly darkened until the stars sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. The gentle lapping of the waves against the hull of the boat and the occasional cracking of the wood made her tired and she fell asleep. "Look Stella!" her grandfather shook her gently, "There, in the north-east, Perseus is waking up." The girl rubbed her eyes sleepily and looked up. Suddenly, a streak of light travelled across the sky - fast, bright. As soon as she noticed it, it was gone again. Stella held her breath. Then a second, and a third, like liquid silver raining from the sky. "Tears," she whispered in awe.
The night passed, and with every hour the shooting stars became more numerous. Sometimes they fell individually, then again in small showers, as if invisible hands were scattering glitter powder across the sky. "Many people believe that if you make a wish when a shooting star falls, your wish will come true," said Grandpa. "Because the gods open the door to heaven for a brief moment."
"Then I'll make a wish too!" said Stella. "I wish that one day I can sail the seas on my own boat, with a compass and guided by the stars, just like you." The old sailor nodded contentedly.
"Will the Perseids come back next year?" asked Stella. "Yes," he replied. "They come back every year, as sure as the tides. People will still be able to see the tears of Perseus a thousand years from now."
The girl smiled. "Then one day I will tell my children and grandchildren this story," she said resolutely, "just like you told it to me."
The old man gently squeezed her shoulder. "That's the most beautiful thing about the stars, Stella. They connect us all - across generations, across seas and continents. We all look up at the same sky, see the same lights and ask ourselves the same questions."
