The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most awaited celestial events of the year. This meteor shower is known for its bright meteors and high frequency. Perseids start in mid to late July and last through most of August.
This year, the Perseids will be active from July 17 to August 24. The peak of the shower will be on the night of August 11 to August 12. During this peak, stargazers can expect to see 50 to 100 meteors per hour.
Origin of Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower happens every year. It is caused by Earth passing through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. These tiny pieces of space debris enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, creating bright streaks in the sky. The Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, from where they seem to originate.
Comet Swift-Tuttle discovered first independently by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle in 1862. Due to it’s interesting orbit that brings it close to Earth every 133 years. The meteors can appear as bright streaks of light, often leaving behind continous trails.
When to Watch
The best time to watch the Perseid meteor shower is during its peak. This year, the peak will be on the night of August 11 to August 12. During this time, you can see up to 50-100 meteors per hour. The meteors travel at approximately 59 kilometers per second. The moon will be 50% illuminated, but it will set around midnight, giving you dark skies until dawn. The best time to see this jaw dropping view is after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant point is higher in the sky.
Where to Watch
The Perseid meteor shower is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. You do not need any special equipment to see the meteors. You have to find a dark spot away from city lights and pollution. Relax and lie down on the ground, take a peek at the sky. The meteors can appear in any part of the sky, but they will seem to come from the direction of the constellation Perseus.
How to Watch
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the Perseid meteor shower:
- Find a Dark Spot: Go to a place away from city lights. The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see with the naked eye.
- Get Comfortable: You might be outside for a while, so make sure you are comfortable. So, bring a blanket or a comfortable chair and relax.
- Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust: It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Be patient.
- Look Up: Lie down on the ground and look up at the sky. You do not need to look in any specific direction. The meteors can appear in any corner of the sky.
What to Expect
The Perseid meteor shower is known for its bright and fast meteors. A typical Perseid meteor travels at a speed of 133,200 miles per hour (214,365 kilometers per hour) when it hits Earth’s atmosphere. These meteors are usually bright and leave long trails in the sky. Some of them can even produce fireballs, which are very bright meteors that can light up the sky for a few seconds. So keep an eye out for amazing view.
Why the Perseids Are Special
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. It is known for its high frequency and bright meteors. The Perseids are also special because they occur during the summer, when the weather is warm and the skies are usually clear. This makes it easier for people to go outside and watch the meteors.
The Perseid meteor shower is a spectacular event that you do not want to miss. Mark your calendars for the night of August 11 to August 12. Find a dark spot, get comfortable, and enjoy the show. Remember to be patient and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Happy meteor watching!
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