Latest news with #109P
Time Out
3 days ago
- Science
- Time Out
Perseids 2025: How to see the biggest meteor shower of the year in London this week
If you know astronomy, you'll know that the Perseids is the fastest and brightest meteor shower that graces our skies each year. You may also know that it's due to reach it's peak very soon. For several weeks each and every summer (it was first observed way back in 69BC), Perseids lights up our sky with hundreds of shooting stars (aka meteors), putting on a dazzling display for everyone here on Earth. It's active for over a month and you may have spotted one or two meteors on a recent clear night, but Perseids is at its most dazzling on the night known as its 'peak'. Here's what you need to know if you want the best possible view of the Perseids meteor shower from London. What is the Perseid meteor shower? Meteor showers are made up of debris from comets in our solar system. This particular shower stems from a comet called 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The meteors crash into the Earth's atmosphere at an average speed of 36 miles per second then vaporise, leaving glowing streaks of light behind them. Royal Museums Greenwich calls Perseids 'one of the best meteor showers of the year'. When will the Perseids be visible in London? The shower has been active since July 17 and will continue until August 24. The best opportunity to see them will be when it reaches the maximum number of meteors of around 150 per hour (its 'peak') in mid-August. When do they peak? The exact day that the Perseids shower peaks will be Tuesday, August 12. How can I watch? Just look up. There's no need for any special equipment – you should be able to see Perseids with the naked eye, so long as the conditions are good. Obviously we'll only be able to see the spectacle if the skies are clear. At this point, it's too early to say exactly what the weather will be like on the night that the shower peaks. Right now, the Met Office says that between August 5 and August 19, London will see 'spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days'. It says that 'there are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into August', so things look hopeful. If the sky is clear on the night, set yourself up somewhere with an unobstructed view of the sky and minimal light pollution. A hilly park like Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath or Morden Hall Park would be ideal.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Perseids, best meteor shower of the year, are about to begin. Expert reveals best time to watch them
The Perseids , considered by astronomers to be the best meteor shower of the year, are about to begin. Skygazers in the UK can look forward to a spectacular celestial treat over the next five weeks as the Perseid meteor shower streaks across the night sky. According to the American Meteor Society, this celestial event is the most popular meteor shower. Particles are released from a comet named 109P/Swift-Tuttle as it returns to the inner solar system. The name "Perseid" comes from Perseus, the constellation near where the meteors appear to originate at maximum activity. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science Finance Product Management CXO Others Design Thinking healthcare Cybersecurity others Leadership Data Analytics MBA Management PGDM MCA Artificial Intelligence Project Management Healthcare Degree Operations Management Technology Digital Marketing Data Science Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details To find the Perseid meteor shower it is best to look for the point in the sky where they appear to originate from - known as the radiant - which for this one is in the constellation of Perseus. ALSO READ: 'Make America Healthy Again': Trump admin revives baby boom agenda and is helping women get pregnant When is the Perseid meteor shower? According to Courier Journal, the Perseid meteor shower is active now, and skywatchers might catch it starting at around 11 p.m. According to it's active from mid-July through late August and will peak overnight between Aug. 12 and 13. Live Events The meteor shower starts on Thursday, July 17, and ends Saturday, August 23, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). "The Perseids, which peak in mid-August, are considered the best meteor shower of the year," according to NASA. "With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere." The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13. Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. ALSO READ: Trump signs landmark 'Genius Act': What are stablecoins? How new crypto law could transform your digital wallet? When is the best time to see the Perseids? According to American Meteor Society, the best time to view the Perseids is between midnight and dawn, according to the society. A good day to view them is Thursday, July 24. That's when the new moon is, according to the Farmers' Almanac. This will make the night skies darker and optimal for stargazing. However, one of the best days to see the Perseids is on Wednesday, July 30, because two other meteor showers, alpha Capricornids and Southern delta Aquariids, will be happening at the same time, according to Lunsford. "With the moon bothering the Perseids this year, the last couple of days of July might be a good opportunity to see some meteors without any moon," Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, told USA Today. This year's peak will occur just three days after the full moon. ALSO READ: Stimulus payments worth $300 to $1,700 to hit bank accounts of Americans in days. Check eligibility and key dates Where should you face to see the Perseids? The meteors can appear from anywhere. The Perseids can be viewed all over the night sky, but they are best seen from the Northern Hemisphere in the pre-dawn hours, according to NASA. "Lie back, look up, and scan the entire sky," the American Meteor Society stated. "Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, though they will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, in the northeast." "You should face away from the moon," said Lunsford. ALSO READ: Did Chris Martin regret after exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief's apparent 'affair' on Coldplay kiss cam? Videos emerge In order to see the shower, you should find a dark location away from light pollution. Also, give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the dark and avoid looking at phones or bright lights. For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. Onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower, according to the society. Lunsford cautions against buying telescopes priced under $500, suggesting instead that beginners invest in models from Celestron. He recommends choosing a telescope with a lens rather than a mirror for easier use. For those on a tighter budget, he suggests starting with a good pair of binoculars.
