What causes this meteor shower every year?
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The Perseids occur every August when the Earth travels through trails of debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which completes an orbit around the sun every 133 years. According to NASA, when Earth crosses paths with Swift-Tuttle’s debris, specks of comet hit the atmosphere and disintegrates in flashes of light. Most of these particles are the size of sand grains, while a few are as big as peas, according to AMS.
The website suggests that the best time to view Perseids is night of August 11 and morning of August 12.
This week’s pass will produce an “outburst shower”, in which more than the usual numbers of meteors are seen. The stage is set for some entertaining stargazing.
Yes, it’s the time of year when the Perseid Meteor Shower shoots across our skies and we all try and catch a glimpse of it’s rare and magical beauty.
“Friday into Saturday night will be much more cloudy so obviously it means there aren’t very good conditions, so the best chance of seeing the [Perseid] showers will be on Thursday night”. “Each swing through the inner solar system can leave trillions of small particles in its wake”.
If you’re planning to keep an eye out for this significant shower show, EarthSky states that this is the flawless time to go camping as you make sure to focus on the night sky.
No special gear is needed but it’s important to get away from bright city lights. But it’s worth stargazing on the nights before and after, as you might still see some action.
So when is the best time to watch?
“The best thing to do is get out, find a comfortable place to lie down, let your eyes adjust to the night and enjoy the show”, Treece said.
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Should skies be suitable for meteor gazing experts say to relax, sit in a chair with your head back scanning the skies about two-thirds of the way between the horizon and straight overhead.
