Don't Miss the Brightest Meteor Shower of the Year: 5 Must-Know Facts
By Priyanka Roshan, Aug 6, 2024
The Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most exciting celestial events, illuminates the night sky every August. Linked to comet Swift-Tuttle, it dazzles viewers as Earth's atmosphere burns up comet debris, creating bright "shooting stars."
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The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks around August 12th to 13th. The best time to watch is after midnight and before dawn when the shower is most active.
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The Perseids originate from comet Swift-Tuttle debris. As Earth passes through it, particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright meteors. This can produce up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak.
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Each meteor shower has a radiant point, the area in the sky where meteors appear to originate. For the Perseids, this point is in the constellation Perseus.
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The Perseid Meteor Shower is known for its bright, fast-moving meteors, often leaving long trails. It also features occasional fireballs—exceptionally bright meteors visible even in light-polluted areas.
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The Perseid meteor shower is linked to Greek mythology, symbolizing Zeus' visit to Danaë, Perseus' mother, in a shower of gold. This connection adds cultural significance to the meteor shower.
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Choose the Right Time: View the Perseids after midnight and before dawn when the shower is at its peak.
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Find a Dark Spot: Light pollution can reduce visibility. Head to a remote area with minimal artificial light.
(Image: Reuters)