The Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on Monday and Tuesday nights, offering a spectacular display of shooting stars. However, visibility may be affected by the full Sturgeon Moon, making it harder to spot fainter streaks.
To increase your chances of witnessing this year’s display, experts recommend lying on your back and looking upwards at the sky with minimal obstructions. Viewing from areas away from urban lights is also crucial. Be patient, as it can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark conditions.
The peak times are expected to be August 11-12, but conditions may vary depending on your location. Check your local forecast and plan accordingly. Some areas will experience clearer skies during these nights, while others may encounter cloudy conditions.
While it’s unlikely you’ll spot all 100 meteors per hour predicted for the peak, even in dark sky areas, seeing at least one or two fireballs per hour is still possible with a full Moon. The best viewing times are around midnight to just before sunrise, but some meteors may be visible earlier.
The Perseid meteor shower originates from the Swift–Tuttle comet and enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of approximately 37 miles per second, creating bright flashes we call meteors. This display has been observed for nearly 2,000 years, with early records dating back to ancient China.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7d7e82gno