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Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week
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Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week
The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks this week.
The peak comes on the night of August 12th into August 13th.
This year offers great viewing because it happens during a new moon.
That means bright moonlight will not block the dark sky.
Under optimal conditions, NASA says that
skywatchers can see 50 to 100 meteors per hour.
These dazzling shooting stars occur every year
when Earth passes through a dust trail left by comet Swift-Tuttle.
For observers across Asia, the main peak happens during daytime.
However, you can still catch plenty of bright fireballs at night.
The best time to look up is between midnight and dawn.
To get a clear view, try to stay far away from city lights.
Astronomers advise giving your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the dark,
and you should avoid looking at your smartphone screen completely.
Quiz 🧠
Q1. It is easier to see meteors in a completely dark sky than near bright lights.
Show answer
✅ True
Bright lights from the moon or cities make faint stars and meteors hard to see.
Q2. What does 'adjust' mean in 'adjust your eyes to the dark'?
Show answer
✅ get used to
To adjust means to adapt so your eyes can see better in low light.
Q3. Why should stargazers avoid looking at phone screens while watching meteors?
Show answer
✅ To keep night vision
Bright phone screens ruin your eyes' ability to see faint lights in the dark.
Dialogue 🎧
James: Charlotte, you need to stay up late this week.
Charlotte: Oh, really? Why is that?
James: The Perseid meteor shower is peaking on August 12th and 13th!
Charlotte: Oh, I love shooting stars! But isn't the moon usually too bright?
James: Not this time. It happens during a new moon!
Charlotte: No way. So the sky will actually be dark?
James: Exactly. No bright moonlight will block the dark sky.
Charlotte: That sounds amazing! How many can we see?
James: Under optimal conditions, NASA says 50 to 100 meteors per hour.
Charlotte: Wait, up to 100 in one hour? That's wild!
James: Right! They produce dazzling fireballs as Earth hits the dust trail.
Charlotte: Hold on. Where does the dust come from?
James: It is left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle.
Charlotte: That is so cool. So when is the best time to look up?
James: Between midnight and dawn. Try to stay far away from city lights.
Charlotte: Midnight? You know I am usually fast asleep by then!
James: Set an alarm! You also need 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
Charlotte: Half an hour? Can I look at my smartphone while I wait?
James: No way. You must avoid your smartphone screen completely.
Charlotte: No phone for 30 minutes? That is going to be tough for you!
James: Hey, I can do it! It will be worth it to see the fireballs.
Charlotte: Fair enough. Let's go watch the night sky together!