WASHINGTON — The Perseids, known as one of summer’s most spectacular meteor showers, is about to reach its peak soon. However, this year, the bright moon might make it harder to enjoy the show, particularly early Wednesday morning. Many experts suggest waiting a week or so for a better view against a darker sky.
The Perseids are quite remarkable, according to Thaddeus LaCoursiere, who coordinates programs at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota. Under ideal conditions without a moon, viewers can catch between 60 to 100 meteors every hour. Sadly, because the moon is expected to be about 84% full during the peak, watchers may only see around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, as stated by the American Meteor Society.
LaCoursiere advises star enthusiasts to plan their viewing for a bit later — about a week after the peak — when the moon’s brightness will diminish.
The Perseid meteor shower will continue to be visible until August 23.
What is a meteor shower?
A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left behind by comets and occasionally asteroids. The Perseids come from the leftovers of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. When these fast-moving rocks enter our atmosphere, they heat up due to air resistance, often burning up and creating a glowing tail — the familiar sight of a “shooting star.” You don’t need any special gear to enjoy these annual displays; just find a spot away from city lights.
How to view a meteor shower
The best time to watch a meteor shower is during the early morning hours when the moon is low. Bright lights, be it the moon or artificial sources, can hinder your view of the meteors. The best nights for viewing are cloudless nights, especially when the moon is less pronounced. A good tip is to keep your eyes on the sky and avoid distractions like your phone to increase your chances of spotting shooting stars.
When is the next meteor shower?
The next significant meteor shower, the Orionids, will peak in late October.
