Don’t Miss This Year’s Spectacular Meteor Shower: A Must-See Event Visible Across the U.S.!

The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12, with up to 100 meteors per hour visible in dark areas across the U.S.

Every summer, the Perseid meteor shower lights up the night sky. This celestial event runs from mid-July to late August, but it’s the nights of August 12 and 13 that offer the best views.

If you want to catch the action, find a dark spot around 11 p.m. local time on August 12. That’s when the number of shooting stars starts to pick up. The show continues until dawn on August 13. Expect to see about 100 meteors per hour during this time, making it one of the most stunning astronomical events of the year. For more details on observing tips, check out Space.com.

But why do we see these shooting stars? The Perseids occur when Earth passes through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet travels at about 133,200 mph, with debris the size of a grain of sand. When these tiny pieces enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks across the sky. Luckily, they rarely hit the ground.

The meteor shower is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, although you can still catch glimpses in some areas of the Southern Hemisphere. For a great view, head to places with minimal light pollution, like national parks or rural areas, where the sky is clear and open.

Good news: You don’t need a telescope or binoculars. Just let your eyes adjust to the dark for about 30 minutes. Knowing where to look helps, too. The meteors appear to radiate from the Perseus constellation, which is easier to locate if you first find Cassiopeia.

Mark your calendars! While the Perseid meteor shower is a yearly highlight, in 2028, it’s expected to turn into a meteor storm, potentially offering an even more spectacular display. According to NASA, prepare for an unforgettable night in a few years.

So get ready, gather your friends, and enjoy one of nature’s most beautiful events! Keep your eyes on the sky—it’s worth it.

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