With the 4th of July in the rear-view mirror, get ready for fireworks of an entirely different sort this weekend as the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower is due to hit its peak, sending beautiful, bright streaks of light across the night sky….at least for those who know when, where, and how to check it out.
Experts say this year’s meteor shower should be an especially impressive event due to the fact that the phase that the moon will be in will not interfere with viewing it; this weekend the anticipated waning crescent moon will be just a small sliver in the sky, making for a perfect viewing opportunity.
In addition, because the meteor shower is due to fall on a weekend this year, folks can sit up late without any worries of having to rise bright and early the next day for their 9-to-5 job.
The Perseid meteor shower takes place every summer and is caused by debris from the Swift–Tuttle comet; when that debris makes contact with the Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, the friction causes it to heat up and glow, creating a spectacular celestial sight.
The Perseid meteor shower has been ongoing since the middle of July, but the event is due to reach its most visible point prior to dawn on Sunday, August 13. Experts say in a darkened sky, spectators could possibly see numerous meteors – as many as 50 to 60, if not more – speeding by during that time.
While meteors may be visible earlier in the night, experts say that the majority of them will be blocked by the northern horizon; however, as the night goes on, the meteors will be visible higher in the sky, and just before dawn is when they will be able to be perceived most clearly.
The shower will still be visible both before and after the 13th, but it will be most likely much less intense at those times.
For best viewing conditions, try to avoid areas with excessive ambient light typically found in cities and towns. From there, just pull up a comfortable chair, give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness, and enjoy the show!
