This week, stargazers will be coming out in droves at night to open areas where they can see the night sky and observe the Perseid meteor shower. Each year, Earth passes through the orbital path of Comet Swift-Tuttle, which leaves behind debris and comet dust, including the meteors that we call the Perseid. The bright, quick-moving meteors leave behind bright streaks in the sky that last for a few moments after the meteor is gone. This year, the best viewing period for the Perseid is expected to be in the predawn hours of August 11, 12, 13, and 14, so unless you are a night owl, it may be best to set an alarm on those days to wake up after midnight and check the sky.
To find out more about the best times & places to view the Perseid Meteor Shower, click here!
Photo by Brocken Inaglory, via Wikimedia Commons.
