The Perseid meteor shower is widely regarded as the premier celestial event of the year, captivating skywatchers globally with its dazzling displays of shooting stars and vibrant fireballs. A highlight of this annual phenomenon is its peak in the summer months, unlike the Leonids in November or the Geminids in December, making it more accessible for outdoor viewing.
In 2024, the shower is set to reach its peak this weekend. Observers could potentially witness as many as 100 meteors per hour, each leaving behind a beautiful trail of light. This year, there’s an exciting possibility that the peak of the Perseids will align with sightings of the northern lights, enhancing the viewing experience.
The Perseid meteor shower runs from July 14 to September 1, with the highest activity expected on Sunday and Monday, as noted by the American Meteor Society. Lunar conditions play a crucial role in the visibility of the meteors; a bright moon can diminish the view of the relatively faint meteors. Fortunately, this year, a half-full moon is anticipated to set around 11:30 p.m. local time, creating optimal conditions for watching the meteors as the skies darken and the activity increases throughout the night until dawn.
For the best viewing experience, the Perseids are most visible in the Northern Hemisphere. After the moon sets, the main challenges for observers will be local light pollution and any cloud cover that might obscure their view.
The Perseids originate from the constellation Perseus and consist of debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Each year, Earth traverses this trail of comet particles, leading to the meteor shower as these fragments enter our atmosphere at high velocities, creating fiery streaks in the sky.
The comet, which takes about 133 years to complete an orbit around the sun, was identified as the source of the Perseids in 1865 by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli. Swift-Tuttle is massive, being twice the size of the asteroid thought to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Although the Geminids are known for their strong and consistent displays, the Perseids can still produce between 50 to 100 meteors per hour when conditions are ideal. This shower is especially known for its fireballs—large bursts of light that can last longer than typical meteor trails, further enchanting those watching the night sky.