The Perseids are one of the most spectacular and brightest meteor showers to admire in the night sky. The swarm is active from July 17 to August 24, but its maximum occurs between August 12 and 13. It is worth spending a few minutes looking for the “shooting stars”. During the peak of the shower, rainfall can reach 100 meters per hour.
The Perseids are a meteor shower associated with Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle in 1862.Scientists estimate that it is about 26 kilometers wide, which means that 109P/Swift-Tuttle is roughly twice the size of the object that likely caused major changes to Earth thousands of years ago and led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
When do you see the Perseids?
The Perseids are one of the brightest meteor showers we can admire each year. They begin around July 17 and end around August 24. The maximum shower usually falls on the night of August 12-13, when you can see up to 100 “shooting stars” per hour.During this time, it is worth using every clear night to observe the sky, because the Perseids are clearly visible even with the naked eye. The best conditions for viewing them are after midnight, when the Earth rotates so that we see the meteors “from the front”.
Where and how is the best way to view the Perseids?
The best places to see the Perseids are areas far from city lights, which makes the sky less transparent. In Poland, national parks, mountainous areas and nature reserves, where artificial lighting is minimal, will be ideal for this purpose. When observing, it is useful to take a blanket and comfortable chairs with you so that you can spend a few hours outdoors comfortably. You can also buy binoculars, although the Perseids are usually visible even without additional optical devices. It is worth remembering to wear warm clothes, as the nights can be cold even in August.
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Tips for viewing the Perseids
To increase your chances of seeing as many meteors as possible, it’s a good idea to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes. During this time, avoid looking at smartphone screens or other artificial light sources. Also be prepared for a longer observing session – spending a few hours outdoors is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the amazing spectacle taking place in the sky. Remember, patience is the key to successful observations – and sometimes it pays to wait a little longer to have a chance to see something truly unique.
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