Perseid Meteor Shower 2023: What to Expect and How to Watch?
The highly anticipated Perseid meteor shower is set to dazzle skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere this weekend. Occurring annually, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak on August 12 as the Earth passes through the dusty debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle.
According to NASA meteor scientist Bill Cooke, if you have clear weather and a dark sky, you can expect to see about one Perseid meteor per minute just before dawn. The Northern Hemisphere will have the best view of the meteor shower, making it a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts.
The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for its high rates and pleasant late-summer temperatures, making it one of the most popular meteor showers of the year. Interestingly, it is the only meteor shower that has ever delayed a Space Shuttle launch. In 1993, NASA’s STS-51 launch was postponed due to concerns about the intense activity of the Perseid meteor shower. Even a small piece of debris from the shower could potentially damage a spacecraft in Earth orbit.
So, what exactly are the Perseids? They are one of the largest meteor showers and occur annually in late summer. Meteor showers happen when the Earth passes through fields of debris floating in space. In the case of the Perseids, the debris comes from comet Swift-Tuttle, which sheds pieces of dusty debris as it orbits the sun. When these debris particles enter our atmosphere, they ignite, creating the beautiful streaks of light we observe. The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus, as the meteors appear to originate from that area of the sky.
To catch the Perseid meteor shower, it is recommended to find a location away from city lights and suburbs, as the brighter skies in urban areas can significantly reduce visibility. The peak nights for viewing will be this weekend, starting around 11 pm local time on Saturday. Initially, a few meteors will be visible, gradually increasing in frequency until before dawn on Sunday when meteors will be visible all over the sky.
Remember, a clear sky and darkness are essential for the best viewing experience. So, mark your calendars and prepare to witness the spectacular Perseid meteor shower!
