The annual Perseid meteor shower will light up the night sky in 2021. It will put on one of the best displays in the solar system. The small pieces of space debris that hit Earth’s atmosphere and change into the meteor shower’s distinctive “shooting stars” can be traced to massive comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
The Perseids will be visible from July 14 to August 24, according to NASA, with the peak occurring in mid-August. It’s “considered the best meteor shower of the year,” according to NASA. The Perseids are well-known for their consistency and the potential of spectacular fireballs.
“The Perseids are one of the most prolific showers (50 to 100 meteors per hour) and occur during warm summer nighttime conditions. It allows skywatchers to easily view them,” NASA explained in a Perseids explainer for the Northern Hemisphere.
When heavier pieces of comet debris collide with the atmosphere, they create long, bright streaks that can surprise you. Viewing the meteor shower is as simple as going outside at night and looking up. There are several things you can do to increase your chances of seeing a good show.
If you’re an early riser, you’re in luck. The pre-dawn hours are ideal for viewing, however, NASA claims that meteors can be seen as early as 10 p.m. local time.
Cloudy weather and light pollution are two of the major barriers to excellent meteor viewing. Try and find a clear night and get away from the city lights. You can avoid craning your neck by using a hammock, blanket, or a chair that leans back. Wait long for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
The meteors can be seen everywhere in the sky, but their name stems from the fact that they appear to emerge from the constellation Perseus.
To locate Perseus, use a stargazing app to assist you in locating the constellation. Although Perseus isn’t the source of the shower, it can assist in tracking down the elusive streaks of light.
You don’t have to wait until mid-August to catch a glimpse of the action.
On a clear night, a dark spot can provide a worthwhile viewing experience during the Perseids’ visit. And you’ll have the opportunity, catch those shooting stars.
