Look up for Perseids!
The peak of annual Perceids meteor shower is at hand on the Northern hemisphere. So look up to clear skies and marvel the shooting stars.
During the peak of the Perceids meteor shower, the rate of meteors reaches 60 or more per hour. They can be seen all across the sky. Photo: Katsuhiro Mouri & Shuji Kobayashi, Nagoya City Science Museum / Planetarium.
Every year in August, the Earth passes through rock and dust fragments left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these small particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn-up, often creating a startling streak of light across the sky. That is how the Perseids meteor shower is created.
The best dates to observe the Perceids are 11, 12 and 13 August. This year the moon light won’t hinder the visibility of the meteor shower because it’s new moon. Weather permitting, meaning clear skies, the best places to observe the phenomena are outside urban areas where the amount of light pollution is low.
The best time to spot the shooting stars is just before dawn. You don’t need any special equipments to look at the Perceids, just give your eyes some time to adapt to the darkness. Binoculars may help to get a closer look at a particular meteor but on the other hand they restrict the view and you may miss a more impressive one.
The Perseids have been observed for 2,000 years. Try and spot the shower this year. Ursa Astronomical Association predicts that in Finland the best time to look at the Perseids is at 3:20 am on Friday morning, so set your alarm.
Read NASA’s feature article on Perseids.
Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.