Get Ready, Gazers!
Posted on August 9, 2024
The Perseids meteor shower peaks annually in mid-August and is known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors. During the peak, stargazers can expect to see up to 50-100 meteors per hour under clear skies!
What exactly causes this meteor shower?
The Perseids happen every year when the Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by a large comet called Swift-Tuttle. As Earth passes through this trail, bits of debris going over 100,000 miles per hour collide with the planet’s atmosphere. When the bits of debris hit the atmosphere, they disintegrate, creating the colorful, fiery streaks of light we call “meteors” or “shooting stars.”
When is the best time to view this meteor shower?
Overnight during the peak (Sunday, August 11 – Monday, August 12), when Earth is passing through the most dense area of debris in the tail of Swift-Tuttle. For the biggest bang for your buck, find a spot with no artificial light and wait until after the moon sets at midnight.
Where should you look?
Up! One of the best parts about this meteor shower is that it’s easy to view. Simply look up, and we bet you’ll see something. Better yet, take someone with you and monitor different parts of the sky. Whoever sees the most meteors wins. The prize? Bonus wishes and bragging rights, duh!
Not willing to stay up late on a work night?
That’s okay, this meteor shower is reliable enough that you should be able to catch a good amount of action overnight in the days leading up to the peak (Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 10). Or, if you just don’t feel like venturing out in your jammies, check out the livestream here.
Happy gazing!
