A Perseid meteor streaks across the sky during the Perseid meteor shower on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 … [+]
This weekend marks the culmination of the Perseid meteor shower, which is widely regarded as one of the most highly anticipated and prolific meteor showers of the year in the northern hemisphere.
It’s almost here! If you haven’t made plans yet and are unsure about where to go and when to witness the breathtaking display of “shooting stars,” don’t worry. We have put together a last-minute guide that has all the information you need to make the most of the Perseid meteor shower’s peak in 2023:
When to See the Perseid Meteor Shower?
This year, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower will occur overnight on Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, 2023. The ideal advice is to keep an eye out during all hours of darkness, regardless of your location. However, the hours after midnight offer a slightly higher chance of witnessing a greater number of “shooting stars” per hour.
Why This Year’s Perseid Meteor Shower is Generating Excitement
Unlike in 2022, there won’t be a luminous moon obstructing the view during the peak nights. This means that the skies will be naturally dark, providing optimal conditions for meteor watching—provided the weather is clear in your area. Although a thin waning crescent moon will rise a couple of hours before sunrise, it won’t emit enough brightness to significantly affect visibility. The New Moon for this month falls on August 16.
“The conditions this year couldn’t be more perfect,” says Diana Hannikainen, Sky & Telescope’s Observing Editor. “The waning crescent moon, which is only 8% illuminated, rises in the wee hours of the morning on August 13 and won’t interfere with viewing.” Clouds or light pollution are the only factors that might hinder the enjoyment of this celestial spectacle, she added.
Best Time to Witness ‘Shooting Stars’
The peak night for the Perseid meteor shower is on August 12-13, 2023, with the highest level of activity expected at 04:00 Universal Time on Sunday, August 13.
- 12:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 13.
- 11 p.m. CDT on Saturday, August 12.
- 10 p.m. MDT on Saturday, August 12.
- 9 p.m. MST/PDT on Saturday, August 12.
More important than the exact peak times is the darkness of the sky. The period between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. offers the darkest sky, regardless of your location. Higher rates of “shooting stars” are also likely when the constellation Perseus reaches its highest point in the sky, which typically occurs after midnight.
If you’re only planning to be outside for a couple of hours, focus on the period around 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 13. However, it’s also advisable to observe the sky right after sunset, as this is an optimal time to witness “Earthgrazers”—meteors with long trails that appear to skim along the top of the atmosphere.
In case of cloudy conditions on the peak night, it’s worth keeping the nights before and after free. However, expect a 50% decrease in the number of meteors.
The Perseid meteors appear to stream away from the shower’s “radiant” point near the border of … [+]
Where to Observe ‘Shooting Stars’
Although the luminous “shooting stars” will seem to originate from the constellation Perseus in the northeastern night sky, as seen from the northern hemisphere—hence the name Perseids—they can actually appear anywhere in the night sky.
Given that the trails left by Perseids are relatively short, it’s best to direct your gaze about 30-40º away from the radiant point, as advised by the Society for Popular Astronomy.
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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.
