Don’t Miss the Perseids Meteor Shower: How the Moon Will Impact Visibility This Year!

The Perseids meteor shower is just around the corner, peaking on the night of August 12 into the 13th. However, this year’s viewing might not be as spectacular as in the past because of a full moon that could wash out many of the meteors. NASA points out that a few bright meteors may still be visible in the early morning hours, but conditions aren’t ideal.

Historically, the Perseids are among the most popular meteor showers. They come from the Swift-Tuttle comet, which has a long cycle of over 130 years. When the comet orbits the sun, it leaves behind dust and particles, creating the meteors we see today. In 1992, the last significant appearance of the Swift-Tuttle allowed viewers to catch around 200 meteors per hour.

The Perseids typically occur during summer, making it a favorite among stargazers. Other major meteor showers often happen in winter when temperatures are low, making the Perseids particularly appealing.

If you want to see the Perseids, try to head outside before dawn. NASA suggests that you could see about 25 meteors per hour, though more may appear in quick bursts. As you get ready for your viewing experience, keep a few tips in mind from Robert Lunsford, an observer from the American Meteor Society. He advises to find a comfortable lounge chair and face north.

“You might wait for a while without seeing anything,” he says. “But then suddenly you could see several at once. Be patient.”

Scientific studies show that meteor showers capture public interest. A recent survey revealed that 75% of people believe watching meteor showers is a must-do summer activity. Social media trends also show that posts about stargazing and meteor showers gain traction quickly as people share their experiences.

While the sky conditions might not be perfect this year, the magic of the Perseids continues to draw us outside to appreciate the wonders of our universe.



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