Perseid meteor shower set to dazzle northern hemisphere this week
Summary
The Perseid meteor shower will peak this week in the northern hemisphere, with experts expecting up to 100 meteors per hour under good conditions. The event coincides with a total solar eclipse in parts of Europe and a six-planet alignment, offering a rare chance to see multiple celestial events.Key Facts
- The Perseid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
- It can show 50 to 100 meteors per hour according to NASA, with 30 to 50 expected in rural U.S. areas.
- Meteor showers happen when Earth moves through debris left by comets, causing bright streaks of light called shooting stars.
- The Perseids come from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years and will return in 2125.
- This meteor shower has been watched for over 2,000 years and is popular due to its bright fireballs and warm summer weather.
- The new moon phase during the peak means darker skies and better meteor viewing without moonlight.
- The best viewing time is midnight to dawn, focusing on the Perseus constellation where meteors seem to start.
- Observers should find a dark spot away from lights, give their eyes 30 minutes to adjust, and avoid looking at phones while watching.
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