The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak early Monday, dazzling skywatchers with bursts of light.
Active since July, the annual meteor shower is known for its bright blue meteors and is considered one of the most easily observed celestial events.
According to Don Pollacco, an astronomer at the University of Warwick, people can expect to see more than 50 meteors per hour, making this weekend’s spectacle particularly exciting.
Meteor showers like the Perseids occur as Earth passes through debris left by comets, with the Perseids originating from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
When the tiny rocks from space enter Earth’s atmosphere, they become incredibly hot due to air resistance, creating glowing trails known as “shooting stars.”
This year’s shower boasts bigger particles compared to other meteor showers, resulting in what some describe as “bright fireballs,” which makes them easier to spot.
The best time to view the meteor shower is between midnight and dawn, particularly under dark skies far from city lights, maximizing your chances of seeing these celestial wonders.
Viewing conditions should be optimal this year, as the moon will set at around 11:30 PM local time, allowing for maximum visibility of the shooting stars.
Across the Northern Hemisphere, anticipation is building, and the American Meteor Society keeps tabs on meteor showers’ peak viewing days and related conditions.
The excitement for meteor showers is not just about the Perseids; they are part of multiple showers occurring throughout the year.
For those eager to spot the meteors, the best practice is to avoid using phones or other screens, which can ruin night vision.
Each summer, the Perseids bring skywatchers together, as communities organize gatherings and camping trips to catch the meteor shower spectacle.
Skywatchers have also noted the opportunity to witness the aurora borealis alongside the Perseids, as reports indicate potential solar activity impacting visibility.
Matt Shiffler, who captured timelapse footage of the shower alongside northern lights near the Marblehead Lighthouse on Lake Erie, reflects on nature's enchanting light shows.
Shiffler shared his experience on social media, expressing awe at the liveliness of the auroras.
