Throughout most of July and the start of August, the Perseid meteor shower has been lighting up our skies. The annual celestial event is known for being one of the biggest meteor showers of the year and is a highlight many stargazing calendars.
While it’s been happening for the better part of a month, the peak dates are coming up this week. So, if you want to catch a glimpse of some meteors shooting across the sky, here’s everything you need to know.
When will the Perseid meteor shower peak?
The Perseids have been active since July 17 and will run until Aug. 24. The peak dates are Aug. 12–13, according to NASA.
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What is the Perseid meteor shower?
According to NASA, the Perseids occur when Earth passes through debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As tiny pieces of rock and dust hit our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up and create the bright streaks visible in the night sky.
The Perseids can also produce fireballs, or bright flashes caused by larger pieces of comet debris.
How to see the Perseid meteor shower
For the best chance of catching the Perseids, NASA suggests watching the sky from midnight through to the early morning hours. Find somewhere as dark as possible, away from streetlights and other sources of light, and give your eyes a little time to adjust once you’re outside.
There’s also some good news for this year’s display: the Perseids’ peak falls close to the New Moon, so bright moonlight shouldn’t wash out the fainter meteors.
