How to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower on Saturday and Sunday night

The annual shower begins in late July and continues through mid-August, but its most visible activities are expected to occur on Aug. 12 and 13. Viewers that watch the shower under clear and dark skies can expect to see up to 100 meteors every hour traveling at a speed of 37 miles-per-second.“This is one of the three most active in meteor showers — meaning producing the most visible meteors,” NASA ambassador Tony Rice told the Washington Post.

This weekend's show can be viewed globally, but the northern hemisphere will have the best view. The best time for viewing the shower will be at 3 a.m. just a few hours before sunrise. They can also be seen as early as 10 p.m., according to NASA. The meteors will be in the northeastern part of the sky by the constellation Perseus. The shower is named after the constellation, but the constellation just serves as a directional cue.

The other two prolific meteor showers are the Geminids and the Quadrantids, which peak in December and January. Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through a debris field left behind by a passing comet or asteroid. All three meteor showers are consistent each year because the Earth encounters those debris fields at the same place in its orbit each year.The shooting stars, which are the same as meteors, are the bits of debris of that was left by the comet.

Some tips in order to most effectively see the meteors include making sure that the place of viewing is the darkest spot possible, remaining outside for at least 15 minutes to allow time for everyone's eyes to adjust to the darkness, and leaving electronics inside of a house or vehicle, as to not hamper night vision.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Perseid meteor shower visible until Sunday morningThe Perseid meteor shower will be visible until dawn Sunday morning. NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Justin Godynick has your forecast.
Source: NBCPhiladelphia - 🏆 569. / 51 Read more »

From 90s Friday and Saturday to 80s on SundayExpect a similar weather pattern as what we've been seeing for the weekend. High temps will be in the low 90s across the Front Range Friday with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The same is likely Saturday and Sunday. cowx
Source: DenverChannel - 🏆 239. / 63 Read more »

Seattle weather: A warm Saturday, then hot Sunday into next weekGet ready for the 80s and possibly some 90s around Western WA. The heat is on and that means everyone needs to be careful as fire danger elevates. FOX13
Source: fox13seattle - 🏆 328. / 59 Read more »

How to Watch This Year’s Promising Perseid Meteor ShowerSet to peak this weekend, the Perseids promises its most radiant display in years. Here’s how you can enjoy this celestial spectacle to the fullest.
Source: Gizmodo - 🏆 556. / 51 Read more »

Perseid Meteor Shower 2023: Where, When to Watch the Meteor Shower This WeekendThe Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend and it’s an especially perfect time to watch because the moon will be in its waning crescent stage, making the skies darker than usual. To catch the Perseids, look toward the northeastern horizon. The meteors should be traveling from north to south, according to the American Meteor Society.
Source: FOX29philly - 🏆 570. / 51 Read more »

Perseid meteor shower 2023: Where, when to watch this weekendThe Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend and it’s an especially perfect time to watch because the moon will be in its waning crescent phase, making the skies darker than usual.
Source: FOX29philly - 🏆 570. / 51 Read more »