The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most dramatic celestial events of the year, has begun. It started on Sunday and will continue through late August, reaching its peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13, 2024. Skywatchers can potentially see up to 100 shooting stars per hour from dark locations during the peak, weather permitting.
The Perseids are popular because they occur during the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing viewers to enjoy the spectacle in warm conditions. The meteor shower is created when Earth passes through a cloud of dust particles and debris from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862. As these small bits of debris enter Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and create bright trails of light known as shooting stars.
The name “Perseids” comes from the fact that the meteors appear to radiate from the direction of the constellation Perseus.
Perseid meteors light up skies
For the best viewing experiences, observers should choose a dark, unobstructed spot far from city lights or other sources of light pollution.
The optimal times to watch the Perseids in the Northern Hemisphere are from midnight until dawn, once the moon has set. While it’s often stated that the Perseids can reach up to 150 meteors per hour at their peak, a more realistic expectation is around 50 shooting stars per hour. The meteors will appear to emanate from the shower’s “radiant” point near the boundary of Perseus and Cassiopeia.
To maximize your meteor shower experience, get as far away from urban light pollution as possible, find a location with a clear view of the night sky, dress warmly, be patient, avoid using a telescope or binoculars, and keep your cellphone and other white lights off to preserve your night vision. This year’s Perseids will be slightly impacted by a 53% waxing moon, but the moon will set right as the Perseids begin to peak. If you are in an area free from light pollution and enjoy clear skies, you may see quite a few meteors over the course of the night.
