Perseid Meteor Shower to light up sky in August: Here’s when to watch

Perseid Meteor Shower to light up sky in August: Here’s when to watch

Perseid Meteor Shower to light up sky in August: Here’s when to watch Perseid Meteor Shower to light up sky in August: Here’s when to watch (tcw-wflx)

By Megan Hayes

Stargazers who love a good light show can see the Perseid meteor shower streak across the night sky this month.

August marks the annual Perseid meteor shower, considered the year’s most popular.

For 2021, the Perseids are expected to peak the night of Aug. 11 and during the predawn hours of Aug. 12, which is the best time to watch, weather permitting.

While the meteors will peak in the morning on Aug. 12, they will also be very visible from Aug. 11 and 13, Space.com says.

According to NASA, the Perseids are considered the best meteor shower of the year. Spectators can see around 50 meteors per hour, and sometimes even more if conditions are right.

 

According to NASA, the Perseids are well known for bright fireballs and plentiful showers. The Perseids appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, where the name for the shower originates.

Space.com offers these tips for sky watchers trying to view the event:

  • Find the darkest area possible away from city lights or street lights. Cooke says taking in “as much sky as possible” is the real key to seeing a meteor shower.
  • Prepare to sit outside for a few hours by bringing something comfortable to sit on, bug spray and snacks.
  • Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the night sky. Waiting outside longer helps you see more.

Viewing conditions will depend on the weather and skies in your area.

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