Make sure to head outside this weekend to witness one of the most spectacular cosmic events of the year – the Perseid Meteor shower.
The peak of the Perseids will be on Sunday, August 13th. But the viewing should be good in the previous nights. Researchers say that this year will be the best for viewing the Perseids.
“Conditions this year couldn’t be more perfect,” Diana Hannikainen, observing editor of Sky & Telescope In a media release, we explain.
The waning crescent Moon will rise in the early morning hours of August 13th. It won’t affect viewing.
Perseids are visible for most people in the Northern Hemisphere.
As the Earth passes through the tail of the asteroid, dust and debris are hurled into our atmosphere and ignited. Comet 109/Swift-Tuttle – which last ventured into our neighborhood in 1992 and will next swing by in 2126.
The atoms will emit light a short time after the meteoroid hits the air molecules. You can then see a glowing streak in the sky.” says meteor investigator Denis Vida Western University, Canada
“The best time is just before sunrise, on August 12 and 13. You can observe in the evening after 10 pm. Look towards the east and northeast. The Big Dipper is a good guide for spotting Perseids.”
Western University and NASA are partnering to launch a new project this year.Website for meteor activityYou can use this information to estimate the quality of a show on a certain night.
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Unfortunately, the event is not visible from most of the Southern Hemisphere. You can still watch the event live via the internet. Virtual Telescope Project livestreamSunday, January 30, UT.
Why is the Perseids called that?
All the tails of meteors seem to point towards the constellation in the northern hemisphere PerseusThe event is also known as the Perseid meteor shower.
Skywatchers in Northern Hemisphere, who have dark, clear skies, can expect up to 60 shooting stars per minute during the shower’s peak.
The 2016 rain showerThe meteor shower was spectacular, with more than 200 meteors an hour lighting up sky. JupiterBy pulling at the dust trail of the comet, Earth can slip further into the stream.
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Perseids: How to best view them
Remember it takes your eyes about 30 minutes to fully adjust to the dark, and don’t worry about acquiring any fancy equipment – you’ll be able to see everything easily with the naked eye, especially if you can get out of the city and away from the smog and light pollution. The beaches are always a good place to observe.
Clouds or light pollution are the main things that can hamper your enjoyment of a spectacular show. Hannikainen warned.
Use this tool to help you find a spot that is sufficiently dark near you. Atlas of Artificial Sky Light.
Unfortunately, the event will not be visible to those living in the Southern Hemisphere.
This article was adapted in part from coverage of the Perseid meteor showers for 2017 and 2021.
