This week, Mother Nature is going put on a spectacular show.
Perseid Meteor Shower peaks around August 12-13, according to the American Meteor SocietyThe show is sure to be spectacular. It is possible to observe dozens of meteors per hour during the event which occurs around July and August.
The annual Perseids meteor shower occurs when the Earth crosses paths with a dust cloud from Swift-Tuttle. The name of the comet comes from the fact the brightest part of the sky is located near the constellation Perseus during the annual meteor shower.
The Perseids is also known for its fireballs. according to NASAThese are “larger, more colorful explosions that last longer than a typical meteor streak,” and they come from “larger pieces of cometary matter.”
Moonlight may also have an effect on visibility in the coming year.
This is because the moon, which will be 84% complete at maximum activity, “will seriously compromise this shower.” The American Meteor Society stated that such conditions would reduce activity by 75 percent, as only the brightest meteors will be seen.
Perseids meteor showers are best seen in the Northern Hemisphere at dawn. according to Space.comThe best place to view the meteor shower from is dark sky destinations There is minimal light pollution with a wide open sky.
The Southern Hemisphere could also see meteor showers in this month. Both the alpha Capricornids, and the Southern Delta Aquariids are active until August 12 but unfortunately their peak is over. Alpha Capricornids can be viewed on both sides of equator and are well-known for their fireballs. Southern delta Aquariids look best from the southern tropicals.
This has been an excellent year for space lovers with the northern lights putting on an amazing show Solar maximum is a period of high solar activity. The meteor showers are not the only thing that is breathtaking. astronomical events happening in August Mercury can be spotted, as well as a full-moon sturgeon.
