How To See The Perseid Meteor Shower At Its Peak
Malorie Thompson
If you love watching the night sky, you won't want to miss the Perseid meteor shower that's peaking this weekend.
According to NASA, it's considered the best meteor shower of the year.
Photo: The Royal Museums Greenwich reports that while the meteor shower is active from July 17 to August 24, its peak will come the 12-13th of August.
The Perseid meteor shower is often a favorite of sky enthusiasts due to its high hourly rate of bright meteors. The meteors are caused by Earth hitting debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.
If you're interested in watching the meteor shower this year, it's best to find a dark spot away from light pollution in the Northern Hemisphere. The shower should be visible from the Northern Hemisphere down to the mid-southern latitudes, as long as weather and light allow it.
Photo: If the forecast predicts fog or other visibility barriers, it's best to find somewhere clearer to watch from.
According to Space.com, you can likely see the meteors while looking anywhere in the sky, but they'll be the easiest to spot if you look directly at the Perseus constellation. If you're unsure where the Perseus constellation is, you can look for the more recognized constellation Cassiopeia, and it should be around there.
Photo: Of course, you'll want to head out after dark. Bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable on and sit back and wait! If you don't see anything at first, allow your eyes up to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Try to avoid looking at your phone or other light sources during that time.
Happy stargazing!
