The Perseid Meteor Shower is Here!

Gather around, everyone! Tonight marks the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.

In recent years, the Perseid showers have dazzled skywatchers with 40 to 50 meteors each hour at their peak. This year, though, is a bit different. The visibility is going to be affected because the peak coincides with a full moon.

Right now, the moon is about 85% illuminated and in a waning phase, making those meteors tougher to spot. Still, experts suggest that eager observers might catch around 10 to 20 meteors per hour.

When to Catch the Perseids

If you’re hoping to see some shooting stars, you’ve got two chances: tonight and tomorrow night. There will be a nice gap between dusk and moonrise this evening, providing a great opportunity to view meteors streaking through the atmosphere.

These meteors, while short-lived, can light up the sky for a couple of seconds each. The second chance to see them will be in the early hours, from around 3 AM to 6 AM, just before dawn on Wednesday.

The bright full moon may wash out some of the meteors in the southern sky, but if you look north towards the constellation Perseus, you might still catch a few shining through.

Where to Watch the Perseids

While the Perseid shower peaks tonight, it will continue until September 1st, giving you extra time to catch the show. After August 23rd, conditions should improve as the moon wanes, making for even better viewing opportunities.

For the best experience, find a place with clear skies, away from city lights. Avoid using telescopes or binoculars; the entire sky is your canvas. Meteors could appear anywhere, but lying flat on your back in a dark area is optimal. After about half an hour, your eyes adjust to the darkness, and you’re more likely to see those shooting stars!

As a little bonus, the Perseid peak comes just after the celestial alignment of Venus and Jupiter, which will be shining brightly in the sky just before sunrise.