Woyem News 
On certain nights throughout the year, people have the opportunity to witness the beauty of meteor showers lighting up the night sky. While meteors can be seen on any given night away from city lights, there are specific dates when meteor showers are more abundant and spectacular. The upcoming meteor shower is called the Perseids, which will last until about September 1st but will reach its peak on the weekend of August 12th and 13th.
Meteor showers occur when our planet intersects with the debris fields left behind by comets or asteroids orbiting the sun. These particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating dazzling trails of light. The timing of meteor showers remains consistent each year, with the primary variable affecting their visibility being the phases of the bright moon.
The Perseids is one of the most popular meteor showers due to its occurrence during warm summer nights and the high frequency of fireballs. This shower originates from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which returns to the inner solar system frequently, providing an impressive display. It can only be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in latitudes below 60 degrees north.
This year, the conditions for observing the Perseids are expected to be favorable. The moon will be in its slim crescent phase, and Earth will be passing through a dust trail released by Swift-Tuttle in 68 B.C. The exact number of meteors that will be visible is uncertain, but some predictions suggest around 100 per hour under dark skies. NASA’s fireball network has already started detecting Perseid meteors since July 26th, indicating a promising outlook.
To witness a meteor shower, it is recommended to head out to rural areas away from artificial lights. However, even city-dwellers have options, such as contacting astronomical societies that may have dedicated dark sky areas. The best time to view meteor showers is when the sky is darkest, typically after midnight but before sunrise. It is advisable to wait 30 to 45 minutes after arriving at the viewing location to allow the eyes to adjust to the darkness. Lie back and take in the vast expanse of the night sky. Clear nights, higher altitudes, and slim or absent moons provide the best conditions for viewing. The rule of thumb is that the more stars you can see, the more meteors you will witness.
Binoculars or telescopes are not necessary for observing meteor showers and may actually limit your view. Each shower has a specific date when Earth encounters the densest part of the debris field. However, meteors can still be visible before or after the peak night. Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to originate, but they can be seen all across the sky.
The Perseid meteor shower presents a unique opportunity to witness nature’s celestial fireworks. By finding a secluded spot away from city lights, you can immerse yourself in the wonder of these shooting stars streaking across the night sky. So mark your calendars and make sure to set aside time to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
