Watch the Perseid meteor shower this weekend!
Witness the Spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower!
Calling all stargazers! Get ready for an awe-inspiring celestial event this weekend. The Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on Saturday and Sunday night, treating us to a breathtaking display of falling stars.
The shower, which begins in late July and lasts through mid-August, will be most visible on August 12th and 13th. Under clear and dark skies, lucky viewers can expect to witness up to 100 meteors per hour, hurtling through space at an astonishing speed of 37 miles-per-second.
“This is one of the three most active meteor showers — meaning producing the most visible meteors,”
– NASA ambassador Tony Rice
Prepare to be amazed as you witness meteors that last a couple of seconds, creating a truly spectacular sight. The show is not to be missed!
Global Viewing with the Best View in the Northern Hemisphere
This weekend’s meteor shower can be enjoyed by viewers around the world, but those in the northern hemisphere will have the best vantage point. The optimal time for viewing is at 3 a.m., just a few hours before sunrise. However, meteors can also be spotted as early as 10 p.m., according to NASA. Look towards the northeastern part of the sky, near the constellation Perseus, for the most dazzling display.
It’s worth noting that the Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation, but the constellation simply serves as a directional cue.
Consistent and Captivating
The Perseid meteor shower is one of three highly active meteor showers each year, alongside the Geminids and the Quadrantids. While the Perseids grace our skies in August, the Geminids and Quadrantids peak in December and January, respectively. These showers occur when the Earth passes through debris fields left behind by passing comets or asteroids. The consistency of these showers is due to the fact that the Earth encounters the same debris fields in its orbit each year.
So, get ready to marvel at these shooting stars, which are essentially meteors. These celestial wonders are fragments of debris left by the comet, glowing brilliantly as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Imagine the size of a puffed grain of rice, lighting up the night sky with their fiery descent.
Tips for Optimal Meteor Viewing
To make the most of this celestial spectacle, here are some tips:
- Find the darkest spot possible for your viewing location.
- Allow at least 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
- Keep electronics indoors to preserve your night vision.
Now, get ready to be captivated by the Perseid meteor shower. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
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