How to spot the Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show that promises to dazzle
The annual Perseid meteor shower is peaking, offering excellent viewing conditions for the Northern Hemisphere due to a new moon. Experts note that the shower is caused by debris from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
Why it matters
It provides public interest information on a major celestial event, encouraging scientific engagement and outdoor activity.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Perseid summer light show is back — and viewing conditions are especially promising for the Northern Hemisphere.
The meteor shower's peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning coincides with a total solar eclipse across Spain, Iceland and Greenland and a six-planet parade — though the best time to view the fireballs will come after totality.
As many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour may be visible under ideal conditions, according to NASA. The American Meteor Society estimates 30 to 50 meteors per hour could be seen from rural regions.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in