The peak of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the northern hemisphere's most prolific and popular “shooting star” displays, will occur on the evening of Monday, August 12, 2024. This annual spectacle is caused by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862 by astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle. As the comet orbits the sun every 133 years, it sheds dust and debris, creating currents that sweep across Earth, resulting in meteor showers.
The Perseids are one of the densest showers, with meteors, small pieces of rock or dust that burn up as they enter Earth's atmosphere, appearing as “shooting stars”. Most of these meteors are no larger than a grain of sand. According to the American Meteor Society, the peak of meteor activity is expected to occur at 04:00 UTC/GMT on Tuesday, August 11. However, meteor rates are largely identical for about eight hours on either side of the peak, meaning a clear, dark sky between sunset on Sunday, August 11 and sunrise on Monday, August 12, would provide an ideal viewing opportunity.
This is an all-sky event, with meteors that can appear anywhere and at any time of the night. The Society for Popular Astronomy recommends looking about 30-40 degrees away from the radiant point, the constellation Perseus, which will rise in the northeastern night sky after dark and be highest in the sky during the hours after midnight.
To maximize your viewing experience, it is advisable to move away from light pollution and find a place without bright lights in your vision. Developing your night vision, which takes about 30 minutes, is also crucial. Avoid looking at a smartphone screen, as its white light can instantly reset your night vision. The only equipment you need is your own eyes, although a lawn chair and blanket or a hot tub might improve your comfort.
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