Summer’s most exciting meteor show, the Perseids, is almost here! This year, the bright moon will make it harder to see during the peak in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Experts suggest waiting a week for a better view against a darker sky.
“The Perseids are an incredible meteor shower,” says Thaddeus LaCoursiere from the Bell Museum in Minnesota. In a dark sky with no moon, you could see between 60 to 100 meteors every hour. However, with the moon estimated to be about 84% full during the peak, expect to see only 10 to 20 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society. LaCoursiere recommends waiting a little longer to enjoy the show.
The best viewing period for the Perseids lasts until August 23.
So, what exactly is a meteor shower? It happens when Earth travels through debris left by comets or occasionally asteroids. The Perseids come from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. When these tiny rocks enter our atmosphere, they heat up and burn brightly, creating what we call shooting stars.
You don’t need special gear to enjoy meteor showers—just find a dark place away from city lights. For the best view, head outside in the early morning hours when the moon is low in the sky. Bright lights from the moon or artificial sources can make it tough to see the meteors. Clear, cloudless nights are ideal, especially when the moon is smaller.
And remember, keep your eyes upward! Staying off your phone will help your eyes adjust and catch those shooting stars.
Looking ahead, the next big meteor shower after the Perseids will be the Orionids in late October. Mark your calendars!
The excitement surrounding meteor showers isn’t just in the sky; social media is buzzing with people sharing their experiences and tips on the best spots to watch. With a growing interest in astronomy, these events spark conversations and bring communities together. Last year, online platforms reported a 25% increase in posts about the Perseids, showing just how captivating they are for many.
If you’re interested in learning more about meteor showers and astronomy, you can visit the American Meteor Society for updated information and articles on the topic. Happy stargazing!
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Meteors and meteorites, Science
