The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for being the premier celestial event of the year, captivating skywatchers globally with its dazzling displays of meteors and fireballs. Unlike other meteor showers that peak during the chilly months, the Perseids shine in the warmth of summer, with this year’s peak expected to occur this weekend.
Observers venturing outdoors at optimal times may witness as many as 100 meteors streaking through the night sky each hour, leaving bright trails behind them. This year’s display is particularly special as it coincides with a potential appearance of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights.
The Perseids are active from July 14 to September 1, but their peak activity is anticipated on Sunday and Monday. The American Meteor Society notes that lunar conditions can significantly affect visibility during the meteor shower. A bright moon can obscure the fainter Perseid meteors, making them harder to see. Fortunately, this year’s half-illuminated moon is expected to set around 11:30 p.m. local time, creating more favorable viewing conditions as meteor activity will increase and continue until dawn.
The best viewing location for the Perseids is in the Northern Hemisphere. After the moon sets, viewers may still need to contend with local light pollution and cloud cover that could hinder visibility.
The Perseids originate from the constellation Perseus and consist of debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Each year, as Earth traverses this debris trail, the resulting meteor shower occurs when these fragments collide with our atmosphere at high speeds, creating vibrant and fiery streaks in the sky.
Comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1865, is massive—twice the size of the asteroid believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. While the Geminids meteor shower is known for its strength and consistency, the Perseids can still produce between 50 to 100 visible meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Additionally, the event is famous for its spectacular fireballs, which can shine longer than typical meteor streaks.