Perseid Meteor Shower Set to Light Up the Sky this Weekend

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular events in the night sky, is expected to peak this weekend, providing amateur astronomers with an opportunity to witness up to 100 shooting stars per hour. The debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which comes around every 20 to 200 years, will create a dramatic display of fast-moving, colorful trails in the sky. With the Royal Observatory Greenwich calling the Perseid one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August, enthusiasts are advised to be prepared for a spectacular show.

Key Takeaways:

• The Perseid meteor shower will peak on August 11-13 and will be active between July 17 and August 24.
• Amateur astronomers can expect to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour.
• The meteor shower is caused by the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which comes around every 20 to 200 years.
• The perseid has an average meteor speed of around 36 miles per second.
• The best time to watch the meteor shower is between midnight and 5:30 am when the sky is at its darkest.
• To maximize the viewing experience, it is recommended to avoid light pollution and find a location with minimal city lights.
• Giving eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the dark is crucial for seeing the fainter showers.
• An unobstructed view of the horizon is essential for spotting meteors, which can appear in any part of the sky.
• Binoculars may not be necessary and can actually limit the view of the sky.

Statistics:

• Up to 100 shooting stars per hour can be seen during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
• The average meteor speed of the Perseid is around 36 miles per second.
• The dessert left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle comes around every 20 to 200 years.
• The meteor shower will be active between July 17 and August 24.

Sources:

• The Sun
• The Royal Observatory Greenwich