TOLEDO, Ohio — Cast your eyes to the sky tonight, and if the sky conditions allow, there may be a dazzling display of shooting stars as the peak of the Perseid meteor shower unfolds.
The Perseid meteor shower is widely considered one of the best annual meteor showers for observers in the Northern Hemisphere, and this year, it’s shaping up to be one of the best viewing opportunities.
Because the peak overnight occurs under a new moon phase, moonlight won’t interfere with visibility.
The best time to watch will be after midnight, through daybreak Thursday, Aug. 13. Allow ample time of at least 20 minutes to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Although meteors can streak across any part of the sky, they appear to radiate from namesake constellation Perseus during this event.
The shower is produced when Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, a massive comet that orbits the Sun about every 133 years.
The meteors and shooting stars travel at an astounding 37 miles-per-second, and are known for producing brilliant glowing tails and occasional spectacular fireballs.
It is possible that over 50 meteors per hour may be visible under ideal conditions. This would apply to primarily rural areas, free of significant light pollution.
The colors of the brilliant streaks aren’t always white. Different streak colors can reveal the elements meteors are made of:
•Red is often from nitrogen and oxygen burning aloft in the atmosphere.
•Orange is the presence of sodium
•Yellow can indicate higher iron content.
•Green may indicate magnesium.
•Blue is the presence of magnesium and calcium.
•Purple can be a combination of calcium and nitrogen.
If you miss the peak of the Perseid meteor shower early Thursday morning, it is still possible to catch glimpses of the meteors now through Aug. 24.
