The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak this Sunday night, and stargazers are in for an exciting show.
Known as one of the most spectacular summer meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseids come from Comet 109P-Swift-Tuttle. During peak nights, viewers can expect to see between 50 to 100 meteors per hour. This year, the peak occurs on Sunday and Monday, with the shower continuing into the last week of August.
Meteor showers occur when Earth travels through the debris left by a comet, which creates the bright streaks known as “shooting stars” as the particles burn up in the atmosphere.
This year’s Moon will be about 44% full during the Perseids peak, improving the visibility of the meteors.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, many areas across the U.S. will experience minimal cloud cover early Monday morning. Cities including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Billings, and Reno are expected to have good viewing conditions. Stargazers are encouraged to find locations away from city lights for the best experience.
For those looking ahead to the 2024 Perseid meteor shower, it’s worth noting that this year’s perfect conditions—combining the Moon phase and favorable weather—create an excellent opportunity for viewing. The peak is expected Sunday night into Monday morning, with the best viewing time starting around 11:30 p.m. ET when the Moon sets, reducing light interference. Ideal viewing conditions are likely between midnight and dawn on Monday.
To maximize your experience of the Perseid meteor shower, it’s essential to minimize light pollution. Escaping city lights will greatly enhance visibility. Once you arrive at a suitable viewing spot, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 15 minutes. Then, lie back and take in as much of the sky as possible. NASA notes that the meteors will be coming from the northeast.
In the darkest areas, observers can typically see between 50 and 75 meteors, which is why many people flock to national parks to witness the shower. Rangers at California’s Joshua Tree National Park have even warned of increased traffic due to the influx of stargazers.
Although the peak takes place this weekend, the Perseid meteor shower will last until August 24. The final week of the month will still offer opportunities to catch a glimpse of meteors as the Moon approaches its new phase, resulting in less moonlight interference.