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How to Spot the Perseid Meteor Shower, a Summer Light Show that Promises to Dazzle
NASA says dark, moonless skies could reveal up to 100 meteors an hour under ideal conditions.
- The Perseids, one of the year's most anticipated meteor showers, will peak on the nights of Aug. 12 and 13. Viewing conditions are ideal this year because of the dark new moon phase during the peak.
- Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle each summer, causing particles to burn up in the atmosphere. American astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle discovered the comet in 1862, with observations of the shower dating back over 2,000 years.
- NASA reports 50 to 100 meteors per hour are possible under ideal conditions, though The American Meteor Society estimates 30 to 50 in rural regions. Observers should allow 15 to 20 minutes for eyes to adjust to darkness.
- Summer temperatures make this shower a favorite for observers avoiding cold winter nights. Astronomer Aparna Venkatesan of the University of San Francisco plans to visit the Sierra Nevada to witness the display.
- Comet Swift-Tuttle takes about 133 years to complete a single trip around the sun and is not scheduled to return until 2125. This extended orbital cycle makes the annual Perseids debris stream a rare celestial opportunity for skywatchers.
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The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year, reaches its peak on the night of August 12th to 13th. This cosmic spectacle, which can be observed with the naked eye from high vantage points away from city lights, will allow lucky observers to witness more than 100 meteors per hour.
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Total News Sources116
Leaning Left34Leaning Right12Center65Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Center
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources are Center
58% Center
L 31%
C 58%
11%
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