When and how to observe this celestial spectacle?

The Perseid meteor shower, visible every year from mid-July to early September, is a major astronomical event. In 2024, its peak is expected to occur on the night of August 11-12, offering up to 100 shooting stars per hour under optimal conditions. The comet Swift-Tuttle, responsible for this shower, leaves behind debris that, upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, create luminous trails.

A trail of debris that disintegrates into meteors

The Perseids are caused by debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle passing through Earth, with particles of dust and ice entering the atmosphere at high speed, producing bright meteors. The phenomenon is named after the constellation Perseus, where the meteors appear to originate. Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, orbits the Sun for 133 years, leaving behind a trail of debris that disintegrates into meteors as it passes through our atmosphere.

These meteors travel at an impressive speed of 214,365 km/h. Mostly the size of a grain of sand, they burn up almost completely upon entering the atmosphere, creating the characteristic luminous trails. It is rare for fragments to reach the ground, but if they do, they are then called meteorites.

The Perseids, or the meteor shower, will be observable again in August.

As every year, between mid-July and the end of August, a large shower of shooting stars will light up the northern hemisphere in the evening with a peak on the night of August 11 to 12, 2024. More than… pic.twitter.com/pqT7IlJNjB

— GOSSIP ROOM (@GossipRoomOff) July 29, 2024

How to best observe the Perseids?

For optimal viewing, stay away from city lights, preferring rural areas or national parks. Arrive before 11:00 PM to acclimate to the darkness and prepare for a long night of viewing. The best conditions are usually around dawn, when the meteor rate is highest.

Get comfortable, with a panoramic view of the sky to maximize your chances of seeing meteors. Avoid bright lights to preserve your night vision, and bring warm clothes and a hot drink to fully enjoy the show, as August nights can be chilly. This preparation will ensure an unforgettable experience during this extraordinary meteor shower.

Read also
Stargazing: A Pleasure About to Disappear?

Subscribe to consoGlobe on Google News to not miss any information!