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

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular and exciting sky events of the year, and it is about to reach its peak. Stargazers across the UK and other parts of the world are getting ready to watch the Perseids on Monday and Tuesday nights. This meteor shower is famous for its bright, fast-moving meteors, which are often called 'shooting stars. ' However, this year, the Perseids will be competing with the light from the Sturgeon Moon, which is still very bright after reaching its full phase on August 9. This means that while you might not see as many meteors as usual, you can still catch some of the bigger and brighter ones, known as fireballs.

Meteor showers like the Perseids happen when the 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 the tiny particles from the comet enter the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up and create the flashes of light 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 seem to come from the constellation Perseus, which is how the shower got its name.

To get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower, experts recommend heading out after midnight, when meteor activity increases. The best viewing is usually just before sunrise, but you can see meteors earlier in the night as well. Because the moon is so bright this year, you might not see the full 100 meteors per hour that are possible in darker conditions, but you should still be able to spot at least one or two fireballs each hour. For even darker skies, you can try watching on nights between August 16 and 26, though there will be fewer meteors. When you go out to watch, find 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 takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Make sure to check the weather forecast, as clouds and rain can block your view. In the UK, the best chances for clear skies are in northern England, north-east Wales, the Midlands, and East Anglia. Other areas may have clouds or showers, so check your local forecast before heading out. Bring water, a charged phone, and let someone know where you are going for safety. Watching the Perseid meteor shower is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the night sky and experience a natural wonder.