How to spot the Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show that promises to dazzle
NEW YORK (AP) — The Perseid summer light show is back — and viewing conditions are especially promising for the Northern Hemisphere. The meteor shower’s peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning coincides with a total solar…
The annual Perseid meteor shower is set to dazzle skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere this week. Conditions are particularly favorable, with up to 50 to 100 meteors predicted to streak across the sky each hour during peak viewing times between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. NASA predicts the maximum rate, while the American Meteor Society estimates 30 to 50 meteors per hour could be seen from rural areas.
Meteors are created when Earth passes through debris left behind by comets. The Perseids originate from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which circles the sun every 133 years and won't return until 2125. The shower has been observed for over 2,000 years, making it a favorite among stargazers. Its popularity stems from the shower's ability to produce brilliant fireballs, and the fact that summer temperatures make viewing more comfortable.
This year, the moon will be in its new moon phase, providing darker skies and enhancing the chances of catching a glimpse of the meteors. The Perseids' peak occurs just after the total solar eclipse, which is visible in Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. Additionally, the shower coincides with a parade of six planets, further enhancing the celestial display.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
