The Perseid meteor shower will peak in mid-August, when astronomy enthusiasts will be able to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour.
This meteor shower occurs each year when the Earth passes through the remains of the ancient comet Swift-Tuttle. When the Earth's atmosphere meets the comet's particles, friction causes them to evaporate, creating the “shooting star” effect.
The phenomenon will be visible until August 23. Its maximum activity is expected to occur on August 12 and 13, and the best time for observation is after midnight and before dawn. According to experts at the Weather Channel, it is recommended to go outside as early as 10 p.m. Eastern Time for the best viewing.
According to the American Meteor Shower Society, the meteor shower will be obscured by a gibbous moon that will appear in the sky a few hours before midnight on August 12 and will obscure the brightest meteors by 75%, allowing observers to see 10 to 20 meteors per hour instead of 50 to 100.
For the best views, choose a location away from city lights, allow your eyes to adjust to the dark, and dress appropriately for the weather, EarthSky advises.
Sourse: www.upi.com
