| Summary |
|
Stargazers across India are in for a treat. The Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events, reaches its peak this week. The shower’s activity will be at its highest during the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, August 14, especially between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. IST.
However, early observers may catch glimpses of meteors as early as 10:00 p.m. on August 13, with the frequency ramping up through the night.
The Perseids happen every August when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. These small particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the bright streaks of light we see as meteors. The shower gets its name because the meteors appear to originate from the constellation Perseus.
This year, the meteor shower coincides with the rise of a bright waning gibbous moon, whose glare, according to Space.com, will make it difficult to see all but the brightest meteors. However, the moon will set after midnight, providing a window of darker skies and better viewing opportunities in the hours before dawn.
Perseid meteors are known for their speed and brightness. They often produce fireballs, which are exceptionally bright meteors that can be seen even in light-polluted areas. The shower is a favorite among skywatchers for its reliability and high number of meteors.
You do not need special equipment to watch the shower. To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights. Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. For a comfortable viewing experience, bring a reclining chair or a blanket and lie down to get a wide view of the sky.
For more information on the Perseid meteor shower and global viewing conditions, visit EarthSky.org.
