Latest news with #EtaPersei
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Perseid meteor shower 2025: When, where, and how to watch?
Skywatchers will be treated to a visual feast this weekend. The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most well-known celestial events, occurs annually around this time. It will be visible on August 12 and 13, best viewed around dawn on August 13. This year, however, there will be one significant exception: moonlight. Last year, there was no visible moon. The brightest meteors will be washed out by the 80 per cent lit waning gibbous moon, which will rise just before midnight on August 12 and stay high above the southern horizon until morning. Despite the moonlight, the Perseids could still put on a splendid display. They will appear to emanate from a point of origin — known as a radiant — situated near the star Eta Persei in the constellation Perseus, which climbs high in the summer sky in the hours leading up to dawn at this time of year. Those new to stargazing can find the constellation with the help of a smartphone astronomy app, many of which use augmented reality technology to help pinpoint the exact locations of specific stars. The Perseid meteors can be seen from anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. To enjoy this celestial spectacle, find a location far from city lights, as light pollution can obstruct the view. If you are struggling to find a suitable spot, you may try an interactive light pollution map using or The Virtual Telescope Project's astrophysicist Gianluca Masi provides a live feed of this eagerly awaited meteor shower. Similar circumstances allow for the observation of the Perseid meteor shower in India. To get the most out of the show, go to a dim area away from the lights of the city. And Astrophysicist Gianluca Masi of the channel Virtual Telescope Project offers a live stream of the much-awaited meteor shower. The name Perseid is believed to derive from the Perseus constellation. It peaks annually in mid-August and is considered one of the best meteor showers. Perseids, usually swift and bright, leave trails of light and colour behind them as they traverse through the night sky. It is also one of the most prolific showers, with nearly 100 meteors seen per hour. These occur during warm summer nights, providing skywatchers with the most comfortable viewing conditions. Since they originate from larger particles made of cometary debris, Perseids are especially well-known for their fireballs, which are larger blasts of colour and light that last longer than typical meteor streaks. These fireballs provide a clearer perspective since they are brighter.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Perseid meteor shower 2025 to peak on August 12–13: When and where to watch the dazzling fireball display
Source: The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, dazzling skywatchers with bright shooting stars and spectacular fireballs. Occurring annually when Earth passes through debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle (109P), this meteor shower is known for producing up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak. In 2025, the Perseids will be at their best on the nights of August 12–13, creating one of the brightest natural displays visible from Earth. Even with the challenge of an 80% illuminated waning gibbous Moon, stargazers can still enjoy a breathtaking view, particularly during pre-dawn hours. Here's an in-depth look at what makes the Perseids so unique and how to experience them at their best. Perseid meteor shower to peak in August: Viewing time The Perseids peak on the nights of August 12–13, with activity visible from late evening until dawn. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, near the star Eta Persei, which rises high in the northeast during the early morning hours. Although meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, their paths trace back to this radiant point, making it easier for enthusiasts to locate the source. This year, the waning gibbous Moon, illuminated at nearly 80%, will rise before midnight on August 12 and remain visible until dawn. This brightness can wash out fainter meteors, limiting visibility. However, the Perseids are renowned for producing brighter-than-usual meteors and fireballs, which can outshine moonlight and still offer a rewarding show for observers. Perseid meteor shower: Best locations to view and tips To maximise your stargazing experience, choose a dark-sky location far from city lights. The Perseids originate from a radiant in the Northern Hemisphere sky, viewers across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia can witness this dazzling celestial event. Each year, stargazers and photography enthusiasts gather under dark skies worldwide to admire and capture one of nature's most anticipated astronomical displays. Allow at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness before observing. Experts recommend looking about 40 degrees above the horizon, slightly away from the radiant point, to catch long meteor trails. A simple trick: hold your clenched fist at arm's length—it covers about 10 degrees of the sky, helping you estimate the viewing angle. Using smartphone astronomy apps with augmented reality can also help you locate Perseus and other constellations with ease. What causes the Perseid meteor shower The Perseid meteor shower originates from debris left behind by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As Earth plows through this cosmic trail each year, tiny fragments—no larger than a grain of sand—collide with our atmosphere at speeds reaching 37 miles (59 kilometers) per second. The immense friction causes these particles to vaporize instantly, resulting in bright streaks of light across the sky. These glowing trails, often referred to as 'shooting stars,' are actually meteor trails left behind by burning space dust. Some particles are large enough to create fireballs—exceptionally bright meteors that briefly rival the brightness of planets like Venus. How to capture the Perseids on camera Photographers aiming to capture shooting stars should use cameras with high sensitivity and wide lenses. Long-exposure settings, paired with a sturdy tripod, can capture multiple meteors in a single frame, adding to the magic of the experience. FAQs: Perseid meteor shower 2025 What dates are best to see the Perseids in 2025? The shower peaks on August 12–13, but meteors can be seen from July 17 to August 24, with fewer per hour outside the peak window. How many meteors can I expect to see? During peak nights and under ideal dark skies, up to 100 meteors per hour are visible, including occasional fireballs. Where should I look in the sky? Meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, located in the northeastern sky, but can appear anywhere overhead. Do I need a telescope or binoculars? No. The Perseids are best enjoyed with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars limit your field of view and make it harder to spot meteors. What's the best time to watch? The best viewing time is from midnight until dawn, when the radiant is highest and more meteors are visible. Can I photograph the meteor shower with a smartphone? Yes, with night mode or long exposure apps, a tripod, and a clear dark sky, you can capture some of the brighter meteors. Also Read | NASA to build Moon reactor by 2030, outpacing China-Russia lunar ambitions with a 100-kilowatt power system
