The annual meteor shower spectacle is on display in the skies, with its peak scheduled for the night of August 11 to 12, that is, from Sunday to Monday.
The Earth is approaching the debris trail of the Swift-Tuttle comet, the source of the annual Perseid meteor shower, occurring between July and August. However, meteor rates increase in early August, with this year’s peak expected in the early morning of the 11th to the 12th.
Although the Moon will be 50% illuminated during the peak of the Perseids, it will disappear around midnight, providing dark skies until dawn – ideal for meteor watching.
Meteors occur when cosmic dust enters the Earth’s atmosphere and combusts at an average speed of 52 kilometers per second. With luck, it will be possible to see, in the northern hemisphere, one shooting star per minute and a maximum of 100 per hour.
Enjoy the show and don’t forget to make a wish for each shooting star you see crossing the skies.