There's still time to catch the Perseid meteor shower
The best free show from space is happening right now
Photo by Fernando Rodrigues, Upsplash.
Approx. 525 words; three minutes read time.
The annual Perseid meteor shower is one of the most celebrated celestial displays. This year, the summer “shooting star” event peaked on August 11th, 12th, and 13th. But it's not too late to catch the tail end of these fabulous streaks of light; they continue until August 24th. The 17th will be a particularly good night since the moon will be waning by then.
Shooting stars occur when space dust and debris entering Earth's atmosphere burn up. On any given night, you might see a random meteor fly across the sky. But predictable “showers” like the Perseid happen as Earth travels through the trail left by a comet, making them yearly events. In the Perseid's case, the comet responsible is 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which passes by Earth every 133 years. It last did so in 1992.
Comets are essential dirty slush balls made up of water ice and rock. As they orbit closer to the sun, solar radiation peals off debris, creating their tails. They leave behind a swath of space dust as they go. Earth travels through Swift-Tuttle’s trail every summer, creating the much anticipated spectacle.
The Perseid display is exceptional, owing to the density of the debris left behind by Swift-Tuttle. The meteors are so bright at times, and last so long, you'd think they'd crash into Earth. As a kid, I always hoped one would, but this never happened. And it couldn't. While these fiery objects look huge, the particles responsible are rarely more than half an inch. They all burn up around 60 miles above Earth's surface.
The best time to watch is in the pre-dawn hours. These times correspond with Earth’s area facing its orbit's direction (i.e., the section of the globe that is pushing into the debris field). But anytime after dark during mid to late August will result in sightings for the patient viewer.
On a good night, one can expect anywhere between 50 and 100 sightings per hour. In my years of watching the Perseids, I have rarely seen it this active. Conditions have to be just right - a peak day & time, low light pollution, and clear skies. But each year I've taken the time to look up, I've seen at least a few good shooting stars. Even just one is a special sighting.
To watch, wait for the sun to go down and head outside. Find a nice open spot and look up. That's basically it. Be patient. It takes a while to let your senses hone in on the experience. But once you do, you'll start seeing more and more.
I find it most enjoyable watching a meteor shower flat on my back in a yard or field (or rooftop). A comfy blanket, a pillow, and a good friend to philosophize with make it all the better.
For optimum viewing, head for the hills. Higher elevations have clearer skies, owing to the thinner atmosphere and lower humidity. But almost anywhere will do so long as it is dark. I watched the Perseid meteor showers in the muggy Midwestern summers for years, without disappointment. Some of my fondest memories involve lying in the sweet-smelling Ohio grass gazing into the darkness, looking for light.
Wherever you are, take an hour or two in the next few days and peer into the night sky. There's a celestial display taking place up there that’s worth seeing. I can almost guarantee you'll witness some shooting stars. And even if not, looking up is always a good thing.
Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.
JRC