Perseid meteor shower: When, where and how to catch a glimpse

Stargazers are getting ready for one of the most exciting sky events of the year: the Perseid meteor shower. This annual meteor shower is famous for its bright, fast-moving meteors, which are often called 'shooting stars'. The Perseids will reach their peak on Tuesday night, offering a chance to see dozens of meteors streaking across the sky. However, this year, the recent Sturgeon Moon will make the sky brighter than usual, which could make it harder to spot the fainter meteors. Still, experts say you should be able to see at least a few fireballs if you watch carefully.

Meteor showers like the Perseids happen when Earth passes through trails of dust and debris left behind by comets or asteroids. The Perseids come from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. As Earth moves through the comet's trail, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at speeds of about 37 miles per second. These particles burn up as they fall, creating the bright flashes we see as meteors. The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for nearly 2,000 years, with some of the earliest records coming from ancient China. The meteors appear to come from the constellation Perseus, which is how the shower got its name.

If you want to watch the Perseid meteor shower, the best time is during the night of August 12 to 13. The number of meteors usually increases after midnight, with the best viewing just before sunrise. Because the full Sturgeon Moon will still be bright, you might not see the full 100 meteors per hour that are possible in darker conditions. Finn Burridge, a science communicator at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, says you should still go out and try to see the shower, as you are likely to spot at least one or two fireballs per hour. For darker skies, you can try watching on nights between August 16 and 26, although there will be fewer meteors. Burridge recommends finding a spot with a wide view of the sky, away from buildings, trees, and city lights. Lie on your back and look up, as meteors can appear anywhere. Be patient, as it can take at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Also, check the weather forecast before heading out, as clouds can block your view. This week, the weather is expected to be warm, with clear skies in many areas, but some places may see clouds later in the night. Remember to bring water, a charged phone, and let someone know where you are going to stay safe while you enjoy the meteor shower.