A meteor streaks across the Milky Way during the Perseid meteor shower of 2016
Getty
The Perseid meteor shower is set to reach its peak during the overnight hours of Saturday/Sunday, August 12/13, 2023. Sky-watchers in the northern hemisphere are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness 50-75 “shooting stars” per hour (as reported by the American Meteor Society). However, what if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Observing meteor showers is a straightforward and enjoyable activity. There’s no need for binoculars or a telescope, as using them may actually diminish your chances of seeing anything. All you need is your naked eye and a sense of excitement. Well, almost.
Even if you venture to an area free from light pollution (which vastly increases your chances of seeing numerous “shooting stars”) and bring along a reclining chair and a blanket, you will still need a clear sky devoid of clouds.
The Perseid meteor shower extends from July 14 to September 1, 2023, so you can choose to watch on nights other than the peak night. However, keep in mind that meteor activity drops by about 50% on the nights surrounding the peak and decreases even more significantly further away from the peak.
How, When and Where to Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower on YouTube
The Virtual Telescope Project has organized a livestream of the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. The livestream is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 12, 2023 (1:30 a.m. UTC on Sunday, August 13). The feed will originate from a facility in Manciano, one of the darkest regions in Italy, and will feature wide field cameras and an all-sky camera.
Alternatively, there is another intriguing way to experience the Perseids.
How, When and When to Listen to the Perseids Meteor Shower Online
When a meteor enters Earth’s atmosphere, it leaves behind a trail of ionized gas that can reflect radio waves.
Visit LiveMeteors.com during the peak this weekend, and you’ll be able to listen for reflections of meteor radio waves from the Perseid shower. These reflections present as pings or echoes.
Why 2023 is Perfect for the Perseids
While it remains uncertain whether the clouds will cooperate on the peak night, the sky conditions are otherwise ideal. This year, the Perseids are generating excitement because there will be no moonlight during the peak hours. This is in stark contrast to 2022 when the brightness of a full moon overshadowed the peak night of the Perseids.
In fact, the moon will only rise shortly after the peak, around 4 a.m. on Sunday, August 13. Furthermore, it will appear as a mere 9% crescent and have minimal impact on the night sky. In any case, dawn will be fast approaching, signaling the end of the Perseids’ peak for another year.
The Perseid meteor shower will next reach its peak on Monday/Tuesday, August 12/13, 2024.
Wishing you clear skies and wide-eyed wonder.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
