We can count on the Perseid meteor shower every summer to put on a great show, weather permitting, and this year’s event peaks tonight. According to NASAYou’ll need to find a viewing spot with clear, dark skies, but you won’t need any special equipment to get the most out of the experience – meteors should be abundant and visible to the naked eye.
The Perseids meteor shower occurs annually in late July and lasts for several weeks. These meteors (or shooting stars) occur when debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle interacts with Earth’s atmosphere, creating colorful streaks of light as the pieces burn up. At their peak, the shower can bring up to 100 meteors per hour. The Perseids are known to produce a spectacular light show. According to NASA, “The Perseids are also known for their fireballs.” NASA“Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can last longer than the average meteor streak. This is due to the fact that fireballs are created from larger particles of cometary material.”
So, find a good spot — preferably after the moon sets — look up and wait. You might be able to see some natural fireworks.
