The Perseid meteor shower, the most spectacular celestial event of 2024, is about to light up the sky. However, NASA has a tip for those eager to witness this dazzling display: you might need to escape the city to truly enjoy it.
This year’s Perseid meteor shower will peak from midnight into Monday morning, offering an impressive show of between 50 and 75 meteors per hour.
NASA advises that urban areas, plagued by light pollution, could seriously hinder your view of the meteors. For the best experience, skywatchers should venture outside between 12 am and 5:30 am, looking towards the northeastern sky.
The peak viewing window coincides with a nearly moonless night, making it the ideal time to catch a multitude of shooting stars.
To make the most of this cosmic spectacle, NASA recommends finding the darkest possible location. The less light pollution, the more meteors you’ll be able to see streaking across the sky.
The Perseid meteor shower started on July 14 and will continue until September 1, but this weekend’s peak is the prime time for viewing. This annual event occurs when Earth travels through debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet.
As Swift-Tuttle speeds through space at 26.5 miles per second, it sheds dust and debris.
When Earth’s orbit intersects with the comet’s path, this cosmic dust burns up in our atmosphere, creating the Perseid meteor shower.
NASA dubs the Perseid meteor shower the “fireball champion” due to its exceptionally bright meteors.
To catch the best view, head to a location with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the sky.
Search for the Perseus constellation, located in the northern night sky, to help locate the meteor shower. You might also find an International Dark Sky Park nearby or use a light pollution map to choose an optimal viewing spot.
Before you head out, check the local weather forecast to avoid clouds or rain. Remember to dress warmly, bring bug spray, and make sure you’re comfortable.
How to Spot the Meteors
The meteors will be most visible during the darkest part of the night, just before dawn, after the moon has set and before sunrise. In North America, the moon sets around midnight, making the early morning hours ideal for viewing.
You can look anywhere in the night sky to spot the Perseids, though they will appear to originate from the Northeast, where the Perseus constellation rises after dark.
Avoid looking at your phone or any white light, as it will disrupt your night vision and make it harder to see the meteors. Additionally, skip the telescope or binoculars; these tools can actually make spotting shooting stars more challenging.
If you miss the peak, there’s no need to fret.
The Perseids will remain visible through the end of August, but catching them this weekend promises a truly spectacular show.
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