The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower is Peaking Tonight
No matter where you are in the Northern Hemisphere, every August, the Perseid meteor shower becomes active, due to Earth’s drift in space. The Perseids are recognized as some of the best meteor showers, resulting in upwards of 100 visible meteors an hour. As the Perseid Meteor Shower comes each year, it is now said to be peaking tonight. The meteors can be seen all throughout August, but at a slower pace after tonight.
“This meteor shower is a result of Earth drifting through a debris cloud left behind by the giant comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.” as stated by CNET.
The meteors we see from on Earth are bits of space debris slamming into our atmosphere at such high speeds that they burn into visible bright streaks, shining through our night sky.
The moon phases make it harder to see, which is why it is at its peak now. August 11th and 12th the moon is less than half full, creating darker nights, perfect for shooting stars.
When to Watch, Where to Watch From, Where to Look
What’s great about this meteor shower, is it doesn’t just last for an hour or two. So as long as it’s dark, you should be able to see some meteors. It’s best to go stargazing as late in the evening as possible, but still before moonrise from where you are. You also want to distance yourself from lights, such as street lamps, stadium lights, or city lights. Light pollution can stretch for miles, so a rural area is usually best.
Find the sunset and moonrise times for your location at TimeandDate.com
Another great practice is to find the constellation of Perseus, the Hero. The meteors appear to radiate out from there. If you can find the Perseus constellation, just broaden your gaze and try not to focus on one part of the sky. The less you focus on one select portion of the sky, the easier it is to spot even the dullest meteor.
(There are apps for identifying planets and constellations, free on the App Stores. Such as Skygaze, Star Walk and many others.)
And lastly, have patience! It usually takes around 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark night sky. So grab some blankets, refreshments, snacks, and sit back or lie down, and wait for the impeccable Mother Nature to present to you her wonders…