How to See the Perseids Meteor Shower This Week
The annual Perseid meteor shower is at its peak this week, so now is the time to plan your escape to a dark, open-air location .
The long-awaited Perseids become visible as Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. The 2020 rainstorm began on July 14 and will last until August 24, but ideal dates to watch are August 11-13, with a peak on August 12 ( NASA data ).
For best results, go to an open area with minimal light pollution. It is best to watch for meteors after midnight but before moonrise , so in the northern hemisphere, you’ll want to set them by late evening.
Try not to go outside for at least an hour, as your eyes take time to get used to the dark. Grab a blanket or reclining chair, lie on your back away from direct moonlight, and watch the darkest part of the sky.
Keep in mind that the moon may slightly affect your view, although not as much as in years past . According to EarthSky, you can still expect to see 40-50 meteors per hour.
If you can’t go outside to watch the rain, join the astrophysicist ‘s free live stream of the Virtual Telescope Project starting at 6:00 PM ET on August 11.