The Perseid Meteor shower is one of the most popular and easily viewed meteor showers. It is caused by the Earth crossing the orbit of the debris that gets left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle while the comet goes on its 133-year journey around the Sun. The shower gets its name because they appear to emanate from the constellation Perseus. The Perseids are visible every year normally starting from mid-July and ending mid-August, with the peak being often being between August 9th and 14th. This year the peak is the nights of August 11th and August 12th. The new Moon will make it easy to view them due to the lack of light washing out the dim shooting stars. 

    

    The best conditions to view this spectacular rain of fireballs is under a dark sky, far away from city lights, and with the New Moon. You can view the Perseids at any time between sunset and sunrise. However, the best time is just after midnight, because the sky is very dark and the Earth is directly facing the debris cloud. If you cannot go to a dark sky, don’t worry! You will still be able to see as many as 60 meteors per hour! You will be able to see more meteors the farther away you are from the glow of civilization. Go outside after the sunset with a star map, blanket, jacket, and good friends and just look up to enjoy this outstanding display of the wonders of the universe.