Celestial marvel: your guide to experiencing the Perseid meteor shower
Image: DANIEL REINHARDT / EPA
On the greater scheme of things, I am more of a sunset person than a sunrise worshipper - forsaking witnessing the breaking of dawn in favour of savouring each setting sun - but not tomorrow or the day after.
That's because on August 12 and 13, just before dawn, the Perseid meteor shower will peak with up to 100 meteors an hour, filling the sky with bright and fast-moving remnants of comet Swift-Tuttle as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere.
The natural fireworks display happens when Earth passes through the trail of dust and debris left by a comet long gone.
According to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa, "Particles travelling through space are termed meteoroids. If they enter the atmosphere, then the resultant streak of light is termed a meteor.
"Bright meteors are termed fireballs, and if seen to explode, they are called bolides. If the object survives its passage through the atmosphere, reaches the ground and is recovered, then it is termed a meteorite."
These meteorites hold significance for scientists who go out of their way to get their hands on them, as they hold the key to their origin in the universe.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland in the Northern Cape is renowned for its clear view of our galaxy, the Milky Way.
Image: SAAO / Facebook
The fast pace of the Perseid shower, coupled with the sheer number of these particles burning up as they enter our atmosphere, makes it the favourite meteor shower of the year.
The Perseids get their name from the constellation Perseus. Known for their fast, bright fireballs and high hourly rates, the Perseids are a favourite for casual stargazers and seasoned skywatchers alike, according to "People".
But there is no escaping that you'll have to set an alarm - there is no fluke skywatching when it comes to Perseid. You have to be prepared.
And you have to be prepared for disappointment, too. That's because of the waning crescent moon that might ruin the show. Then there is the issue of cloud cover, which can obscure your view of the spectacle.
Experts advise ensuring you have a dark sky to begin with. They also suggest giving your eyes 20 minutes to half an hour to get accustomed to the light conditions, making it easier for you to catch a glimpse of a meteor, or what we call "shooting stars".
So, if you're a city dweller, head out of town with a flask of coffee and a blanket to make the occasion memorable.
Also, while you're about it, you may as well feast your eyes on the Venus-Jupiter conjunction that happens just after sunset tonight. They will appear closer together than the width of a full Moon.
Even in light-polluted areas, you'll see the two side-by-side by looking low in the sky about 30 minutes to 45 minutes after sunset.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
Perseid meteor shower 2025
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most famous annual sky shows, will peak this week. Caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids can usually deliver 50–100 meteors per hour. This year, however, an 84% illuminated waning gibbous moon will brighten the sky, reducing visible meteors to about 10–20 per hour. The good news? The brightest meteors and spectacular fireballs will still be visible. Yes, but with a twist. The Perseids are most active in the Northern Hemisphere, so South Africans will see fewer meteors. Still, if you're in a dark-sky location such as the Northern Cape, the Karoo, or rural areas, you'll have a decent shot. Look towards the northeast, where the meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. The peak night to view them is tonight, 13 August, from midnight to 05:00 or pre-dawn. Find a dark spot: Get far from streetlights and city glow. Face northeast: That's where meteors will appear to originate. Give your eyes time to adjust: 20–30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness. Be patient: Meteors often come in bursts; stick around for at least an hour. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Celestial marvel: your guide to experiencing the Perseid meteor shower
Meteors from the Perseid meteor swarm burn up in the atmosphere as our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is seen in the clear night sky over the German island of Fehmarn, Germany, early August 13, 2015. The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year when the Earth passes through debris and dust of the Swift-Tuttle comet. Image: DANIEL REINHARDT / EPA On the greater scheme of things, I am more of a sunset person than a sunrise worshipper - forsaking witnessing the breaking of dawn in favour of savouring each setting sun - but not tomorrow or the day after. That's because on August 12 and 13, just before dawn, the Perseid meteor shower will peak with up to 100 meteors an hour, filling the sky with bright and fast-moving remnants of comet Swift-Tuttle as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere. The natural fireworks display happens when Earth passes through the trail of dust and debris left by a comet long gone. According to the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa, "Particles travelling through space are termed meteoroids. If they enter the atmosphere, then the resultant streak of light is termed a meteor. "Bright meteors are termed fireballs, and if seen to explode, they are called bolides. If the object survives its passage through the atmosphere, reaches the ground and is recovered, then it is termed a meteorite." These meteorites hold significance for scientists who go out of their way to get their hands on them, as they hold the key to their origin in the universe. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland in the Northern Cape is renowned for its clear view of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Image: SAAO / Facebook The fast pace of the Perseid shower, coupled with the sheer number of these particles burning up as they enter our atmosphere, makes it the favourite meteor shower of the year. The Perseids get their name from the constellation Perseus. Known for their fast, bright fireballs and high hourly rates, the Perseids are a favourite for casual stargazers and seasoned skywatchers alike, according to "People". But there is no escaping that you'll have to set an alarm - there is no fluke skywatching when it comes to Perseid. You have to be prepared. And you have to be prepared for disappointment, too. That's because of the waning crescent moon that might ruin the show. Then there is the issue of cloud cover, which can obscure your view of the spectacle. Experts advise ensuring you have a dark sky to begin with. They also suggest giving your eyes 20 minutes to half an hour to get accustomed to the light conditions, making it easier for you to catch a glimpse of a meteor, or what we call "shooting stars". So, if you're a city dweller, head out of town with a flask of coffee and a blanket to make the occasion memorable. Also, while you're about it, you may as well feast your eyes on the Venus-Jupiter conjunction that happens just after sunset tonight. They will appear closer together than the width of a full Moon. Even in light-polluted areas, you'll see the two side-by-side by looking low in the sky about 30 minutes to 45 minutes after sunset.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Young scientists shine at Eskom West Coast Expo
Marcelle Adams from Eskom with top achievers Zewah Engelbrecht; Ovayo Somhlahlo; Dawid Bierman; Duran Farmer; Tiaan Lamminga; and Kyle Cookson of Eskom. Image: Eskom PARTICIPANTS in this year's Eskom Expo for Young Scientists West Coast regional science fair impressed the judges with their creativity, critical thinking, and innovative solutions to real-world challenges facing South Africa. The event held at the White City Multipurpose Centre, Saldanha on Thursday featured 85 projects showcased by 129 young scientists in Grades 4–12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students. These learners progressed in their Expo journeys after taking part in various activities throughout the year, including workshops and District Expos. The most popular category at this year's fair was Social Sciences, with 23 entries, followed by strong participation in Energy (17), Engineering (15) and Chemistry and Biochemistry (eight). Umoya Energy director Johanna Stoffels with Zewah Engelbrecht and Ovayo Somhlahlo. Image: Eskom Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Eskom Expo's West Coast Provincial Coordinator, Ursula Boys, extended her heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, partners, educators, volunteers, judges, and learners for their contributions in making this year's event a success, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. 'To the teachers, parents, volunteers and judges, your dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm have been instrumental in guiding and supporting our learners throughout their scientific journeys. To the learners themselves, I offer my warmest congratulations on their outstanding achievements and innovative projects. Your passion for science and your commitment to excellence have been truly inspiring, and we are proud to have you as part of our science fair community. 'I would like to extend an invitation to more schools and learners to get involved in the Eskom Expo West Coast,' said Boys. Judges at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists West Coast regional science fair. Image: Eskom During the awards ceremony, learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation. A total of 13 Gold medals, 25 Silver medals, and 47 Bronze medals were awarded. The outstanding young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards from Eskom. Winners who received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom include Zewah Engelbrecht and Ovayo Somhlahlo from Jurie Hayes Primary School, Duran Farmer from Vredendal High School, Dawid Bierman from Swartland High School, Tiaan Lamminga from Curro Langebaan. Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation Mologadi Motshele said: 'As the only initiative of its kind operating at scale across all provinces, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists plays a critical role in developing the country's Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) skills. This initiative equips young learners with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to pursue careers that will ultimately contribute to solving the country's most pressing developmental challenges.' Other prizes were awarded for exceptional efforts and creativity in various categories. Kropz awarded Bluetooth speakers and water bottles to top performing participants. Umoya Energy also awarded a number of special awards. Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the Regional Science Fair is an exciting opportunity and a unique platform for young scientists to showcase their creativity, innovation, and passion for solving real-world problems while still at school. 'It's more than just a science competition; it's the only national platform to innovate, explore, and develop ideas that can shape a better future for our struggling communities and our country. Whether it's in agricultural sciences, technology and innovation, the environment, or everyday challenges, their solutions can make a real difference. By participating, learners take the first step toward becoming problem-solvers and future leaders in Science and Innovation. The Expo encourages learners to collaborate with like-minded young scientists to build a brighter tomorrow. Their ideas matter, their efforts count, and their curiosity could be the key to the next big breakthrough,' he said. For more information, visit: Cape Times
