Hey there, stargazers! Are you ready for one of the coolest astronomical events of the year? The Perseid meteor shower is just around the corner, and it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss. Here’s everything you need to know to catch this spectacular light show.
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that happens every August. It's one of the best meteor showers of the year because it has a high number of meteors, and it occurs during the warm summer nights in the Northern Hemisphere. This makes it a favourite for many stargazers.
The Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus because the meteors appear to come from that part of the sky. But don't worry, you don't need to know exactly where Perseus is to enjoy the show. Just look up, and you'll see meteors streaking across the sky.
Mark your calendars for the peak nights of August 12th and 13th. For the best views,head outside after midnight, especially once the moon has set. This will ensure the sky is at its darkest, allowing you to see the maximum number of meteors.
To get the best view, find the darkest spot possible, away from city lights. While the meteors will be visible all across the sky, they will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. This constellation rises in the northeast and moves across thesky through the night.
The Perseid meteor shower happens because Earth passes through the trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As the tiny bits of comet dust enter Earth's atmosphere, they burn up and create the bright streaks of light we see as meteors. Swift-Tuttle is a big comet, with a nucleus about 16 miles across, which is why the Perseids are so prolific.
By Natanicha Kasaratana
Digital Marketing Executive
Reference: https://www.newscientist.com/article
