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Perseid meteor shower set to dazzle Northern Hemisphere this week

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak this week, offering excellent viewing conditions across the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Up to 100 meteors per hour may be visible under ideal conditions, enhanced by a new moon phase.
  • Astronomers advise seeking dark, clear skies away from city lights after sunset for the best experience.

Stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere are in for a treat as the annual Perseid meteor shower returns, promising a spectacular celestial display. The peak viewing period is anticipated from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, coinciding with a total solar eclipse in some regions and a rare planetary alignment.

Under optimal conditions, observers could witness between 50 to 100 meteors per hour, according to NASA estimates. In rural areas of the U.S., the American Meteor Society suggests a rate of 30 to 50 meteors per hour. These dazzling streaks of light, often called shooting stars, occur when Earth passes through the debris trails left by comets, colliding with our atmosphere at high speeds.

We don’t have to suffer through a cold winter night to get a good view of meteors.

— Zach VanderboschAstronomer with McDonald Observatory, highlighting the comfort of summer viewing.

The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, an icy body that orbits the sun every 133 years. This particular meteor shower has been observed for over two millennia and remains a favorite due to its tendency to produce brilliant fireballs and occur during warmer summer months. Astronomer Zach Vanderbosch of McDonald Observatory highlighted the comfort of viewing the shower on a mild night.

The moon is beautiful, but it’s such a diva. New moon means we don’t have moonlight flooding the sky, and you tend to see way more meteors as a result.

— Aparna VenkatesanAstronomer with the University of San Francisco, explaining the benefit of the new moon phase.

Adding to the favorable conditions, the new moon phase during the Perseids' peak means minimal moonlight interference. "New moon means we don’t have moonlight flooding the sky, and you tend to see way more meteors as a result," explained astronomer Aparna Venkatesan from the University of San Francisco. She advises seeking locations away from light pollution, like the Sierra Nevada mountains, for the clearest views.

To best enjoy the show, experts recommend going outside after dark, allowing your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Focusing on a patch of sky, even catching streaks in peripheral vision, is advised. Astronomer Zach Vanderbosch suggests avoiding distractions like phone screens, emphasizing the "magical" quality of the event.

There’s just something magical about it.

— Zach VanderboschAstronomer describing the experience of watching the meteor shower.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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