It’s the time of the year when keen observers of the night sky will be watching out for the most spectacular meteor shower, known as the Perseids Shower. This year it will peak this week, from August 11th-13th, 2020.
The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus, appear to rain down from the star cluster of the same name. They originate from the Swift-Tuttle comet, which passes relatively close to Earth once every 133 years. The debris left behind from the comet’s nucleus create a breathtaking beauty for astronomers and casual stargazers alike. When the Earth passes through this comet stream, powerful meteoroids burn up in our atmosphere, producing a peak rate of 100 meteors per hour at its peak. It truly is a sight to behold!
In addition to its sheer beauty, the Perseids also offer a great scientific benefit. By watching how these meteors interact in our atmosphere, we can get a better understanding of the composition of other parts of our solar system. With various new technologies, such as high-resolution cameras, spectroscopes and 3D scanners, we can get more precise readings than ever before, allowing us to observe the exact moments when these meteors are hitting the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, astronomers won’t be able to observe the shower as thoroughly as they have in the past. Large public events, such as stargazing parties, will be put on hold until the pandemic subsides. That being said, you don’t need to be a seasoned astronomer to take in the Perseids. Only a few minutes of the night sky will be able to catch the occasional shooting star. If you prefer to stay in, you can watch live comfortably from your home on multiple streaming services.
Before the Perseids reach their peak, make sure to clear up any light pollution and look out for a few shooting stars this week, as the King of the Meteor Showers is about to perform its spectacular show!