Shea Simmons
Surprise! There’s been a meteor shower happening right over your head for a few weeks now. But the good news is, you haven’t missed its peak.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is happening right now, and the peak is coming Aug. 11, 2021.
Since July 17, meteors from the shower have been streaking through the sky, and there are still several weeks left of viewing. The shower isn’t expected to end until Aug. 24, and you can continue to see “shooting stars” until then.
However, the night of Aug. 11 through the early morning of Aug. 12 will give Northern Hemisphere viewers the most bang for their astronomical buck.
During the peak, observers will be able to see, roughly, 100 meteors per hour. The view will also be particularly good, as there is no moonrise slated for that morning to obscure the view. For the best look, though, it’s still a good idea to head away from any city lights or areas of high air pollution. You’ll also want to check the weather forecast for cloud cover.
The Perseids aren’t 2021’s only meteor shower, but they’re the most well-known and considered one of the best. These meteors are known to leave streaks of light and color as they move through Earth’s atmosphere. This shower also produces the most meteors throughout its entire July/August run.
You don’t need a telescope to see the shower, but if you have one, it won’t hurt to use it. So, grab a blanket and some snacks, and take a drive out to the country.
[Via CNet]
