When to see and enjoy the Perseid meteor shower
meteors
11 Aug 2018
/ 09:06
CORFU. At this time every year amateur observers look forward to seeing the peak Perseid meteor shower - one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers.
The Perseids are so called because their radiant - the point from which they appear to come - lies in the Perseus constellation. They are the debris from the109P/Swift–Tuttle comet which completes its orbit round the sun every 133 years.
The peak period, when there is the greatest number of meteoroids entering the atmosphere, is expected between 11 and 13 August. Between 75 and 150 'falling stars' per hour are expected. The best time to observe them is after 02:00 since more meteoroids are scooped up by the side of the Earth moving forward into the stream. This year is an excellent year to observe them as there will be moonless-sky conditions.
If you are out at night these days, you can try and spot the meteors. To observe the meteor shower it is suggested that find a location far away from lights and with as wide a horizon as possible. Dark beach locations are ideal and if they are facing east the radiant will be visible.
No special equipment is required - just good spirits and good company!
The peak period, when there is the greatest number of meteoroids entering the atmosphere, is expected between 11 and 13 August. Between 75 and 150 'falling stars' per hour are expected. The best time to observe them is after 02:00 since more meteoroids are scooped up by the side of the Earth moving forward into the stream. This year is an excellent year to observe them as there will be moonless-sky conditions.
If you are out at night these days, you can try and spot the meteors. To observe the meteor shower it is suggested that find a location far away from lights and with as wide a horizon as possible. Dark beach locations are ideal and if they are facing east the radiant will be visible.
No special equipment is required - just good spirits and good company!
