This week, the night sky is bringing some excitement! The Perseid Meteor Shower is peaking, and you might just catch a glimpse of the bright planets Jupiter and Venus as they get close together.
To see the meteor shower, step outside after 11 p.m. local time, especially in the hours before dawn. The best spots are away from city lights, where you can see the full sky. This year, the almost full moon will dim the view a bit. Normally, you could see up to 100 meteors an hour. With the moon’s brightness, expect around 30 to 40 meteors, including some spectacular fireballs.
But don’t lose hope! Even with some cloudy weather in the forecast, there could be “sucker holes”—clearings in the clouds—that allow for a few meteors to shine through. For those in the area, Shenandoah National Park offers a great view, and there’s an astronomy event happening Monday evening, weather permitting.
If clouds block the view from your location, don’t worry. You can still watch the meteors via online live streams like Live Meteors. Many astronomy enthusiasts share their views and insights on social media too, so there’s always a way to connect with the night’s events.
As you gather to watch the Perseids, remember that these meteors are remnants of comet debris. Historically, the Perseids have been observed for thousands of years and are linked to tales and myths from various cultures. The experience of lying under the stars and seeing these shooting stars remains a timeless tradition.
For more about the Perseid Meteor Shower and tips for viewing, check out [Sky and Telescope](https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/moon-or-not-the-perseid-meteor-shower-is-on/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=newsletter).
Happy stargazing!
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