Peak Viewing Time for the Perseid Meteor Shower

As the Perseid meteor shower begins on July 14 and lasts until September 1, the peak viewing time falls on the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13. During this period, stargazers can expect to see an estimated 90 meteors per hour, including several bright fireballs. The absence of a full moon will allow for optimal viewing conditions, and the presence of several planets will add to the celestial spectacle.

Key Takeaways:

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12 into the morning of August 13.
The shower produces an estimated 90 meteors per hour during its peak period.
Conditions are ideal for viewing on the nights leading up to and after the peak period due to the absence of a full moon.
The band of the Milky Way galaxy will be visible in areas away from city lights.
The planets Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter will be visible in the night sky during the peak viewing period.
The meteor shower's shooting stars originate from Comet Swift-Tuttle's debris.

Statistics:

Peak viewing time: August 12 into the morning of August 13.
Estimated meteors per hour during peak period: 90.
Time of first quarter moonset: 11:30 p.m. local time on August 12 and midnight on August 13.
Speed at which meteors vaporize in the atmosphere: approximately 72 kilometres per second.
Separation of planets Mars and Jupiter on August 14: less than the width of the full moon.

Sources:

Gary Boyle, "The Backyard Astronomer"