The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for being the premier meteor event of the year, captivating skygazers across the globe with its dazzling meteors and brilliant fireballs. Unlike the Leonids and Geminids that peak in the colder months, the Perseids peak during the warmer summer, making it particularly enjoyable for outdoor viewing.
In 2024, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower is expected to occur this weekend. Those venturing outside at the right moments might witness up to 100 meteors per hour, creating long-lasting streaks of light and color across the night sky. This year’s Perseids peak also coincides with a potential appearance of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, adding to the excitement.
The Perseids are active from July 14 to September 1, with the most intense activity forecasted for Sunday and Monday, according to the American Meteor Society. Lunar conditions can significantly affect visibility, particularly if a bright moon is present during the peak night. Fortunately, this year a half-full moon is expected to set by around 11:30 p.m. local time, allowing for favorable conditions to view the meteors as activity increases towards dawn.
The best viewing opportunities are in the Northern Hemisphere. Once the moon sets, observers will mainly need to contend with local light pollution and any cloud cover that may obstruct their view.
The meteors originate from the constellation Perseus and are formed from debris left by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Each year, Earth traverses the comet’s debris trail, leading to the Perseid shower as remnants collide with the atmosphere, creating fiery displays. Comet Swift-Tuttle, which takes 133 years to complete an orbit around the sun, was identified as the source of the Perseids by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1865.
While the Geminids are known for their strength and consistency, the Perseids can produce between 50 to 100 visible meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Notably, the shower is also celebrated for its remarkable fireballs, which can last longer than regular meteor streaks.