Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night

The Perseid meteor shower, dubbed one of the best of the year by NASA, will reach its peak on August 12 and 13. These meteors, known for their swift and bright appearances, leave long trails of light and color as they enter Earth's atmosphere. The Perseids are among the most prolific showers, with 50 to 100 meteors visible per hour. The best viewing time in the Northern Hemisphere is during the predawn hours on August 13, though meteors can be seen as early as 10 p.m. the night before.

Meteors are visible in dark skies on any night, but meteor showers occur at predictable times when Earth passes through debris left by comets and sometimes asteroids. The Perseids originate from debris of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years and won't return until 2125. This meteor shower has been observed for over 2,000 years due to its bright fireballs and favorable viewing conditions.

This year, the Perseids will be particularly favorable as the moon will be in its new moon phase during the peak, eliminating moonlight interference. Astronomers recommend viewing after dark, away from clouds and city lights, with the best views occurring between midnight and dawn when the constellation Perseus is high in the northern sky. Observers should give their eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness and choose a patch of sky to focus on.