<a href="https://time.news/in-photos-rare-new-tau-herculids-meteor-shower-73p-schwassmann-wachmann-the-epoch-times/" title="In Photos: Rare New Tau Herculids Meteor Shower | 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann | The Epoch Times”>Perseid Meteor Shower: Witness the Light Show in the Night Sky
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the brightest and most anticipated events in the night sky, is back in action in 2024. This celestial spectacle, visible in the Northern Hemisphere, is set to illuminate the heavens with bursts of light and color throughout August.
Peak Viewing Time and Location
The Perseids reach their peak during the overnight hours of late Sunday night into early Monday morning (August 11-12), when there is almost no moon, offering optimal viewing conditions. While visible throughout the month, the shower is most intense during this period.
What to Expect
Sky-gazers can expect to witness a dazzling display of “shooting stars,” with estimates of over 50 “shooting stars” per hour during the peak. These streaks of light are actually tiny dust and ice particles from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which is the source of the Perseids.
Best Conditions for Viewing
For the best experience, find a dark location away from city lights. The optimal time to watch the Perseids is between midnight and pre-dawn. Remember, the further away from light pollution, the better.
Fascinating Facts about the Perseids
- The Perseids travel at speeds of 60 kilometers per second, 250 times faster than a jet plane.
- These meteors burn at temperatures between 3,000 and 10,000 degrees, 10 times hotter than volcanic lava.
- The Perseids have been documented in Chinese records dating back to AD 36.
Next Big Meteor Shower: Orionids
The Perseids are followed by another dazzling display in October – the Orionids meteor shower. Keep an eye out for this celestial event in the coming weeks.