Latest news with #Perseid
North Wales Live
18 hours ago
- Science
- North Wales Live
Two epic meteor and fireball displays are about to light up the night skies
Two separate meteor showers will overlap in the coming days, giving ample scope for seeing shooting stars. In fact there's a third shower happening later this month – but this one is fainter and only viewable in the southern hemisphere. Taking pride of place will be the ever reliable Perseids, often considered the year's best meteor shower. At their peak, between 50 and 100 meteors will streak across the night sky each hour. The Perseids originate from Comet Swift-Tuttle, a short-period comet that orbits the Sun every 133 years. As Earth crosses its dust trail, tiny fragments hit the atmosphere at up to 45 miles per second, igniting into rapid, glowing trails. Their displays began on July 17 and they will run until August 23, peaking overnight around August 11-12. The peak period is usually amongst the highlights of the annual stargazing calendar. Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) said: 'The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best meteor showers of the year because it produces bright meteors and is one of the most active. "There's also a high chance of seeing fireballs, which are very bright meteors, as well as meteors with long trains during the Perseid meteor shower.' This year, however, there's a complicating factor. In mid August, the full Sturgeon Moon is likely to wash out the displays, leaving only the brightest meteors visible. For this reason, it may be better to look out for Perseids either side of the peak when the skies are darker. Clouds permitting, this week is a decent time, especially around the new Moon on July 24. You won't need any special equipment. Best time for viewing them is in the early morning, between midnight and dawn. However, some may be visible earlier, said RMG. RMG, which hosts the Royal Observatory, said: 'The radiant of the Perseids is actually always above the horizon as seen from the UK, which means that observers in the UK should be able to see some meteors as soon as the Sun sets. Therefore, it is worth looking up in the early evening.' Other meteors displaying already, in both northern and southern skies, are the Alpha Capricornids. Unlike the Perseids, they will peak on July 29-30 when the Moon is in its waxing crescent phase, meaning there will be much less light pollution. This shower isn't particularly prolific, yielding only around five meteors per hour at its peak. But where they lose out in quantity, they make up for in quality, blazing brightly across the night sky, some as fireballs. Scientists estimate this meteor shower originated about 3,500 to 5,000 years ago when half of the parent comet disintegrated. The Earth began orbiting through some of the resulting dust cloud only recently. By the 24th century, most of the dust trail is expected to be in Earth's path. In two centuries from now, the Alpha Capricornids are predicted to become a major annual meteor storm, stronger than all current showers. How to view meteor showers As always, it's best to find a dark spot away from city lights – and one that gives the maximum field of view. Hills and mountains are ideal, but parks and the countryside are fine too. Chose a night with clear skies and, ideally, mimimal Moon glare. If peak shower viewing is not possible – poor weather, full Moon – Royal Museums Greenwich said the days leading up to the peak are usually better than the days after. It added: 'Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the dark so that you can catch more of the fainter meteors – this does mean that you should avoid looking at your phone!' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Time Out
19 hours 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.
NBC News
3 days ago
- Science
- NBC News
This summer, the sky comes alive with shooting stars. What you need to know about ongoing meteor showers.
Three different meteor showers are happening at the same time this month, giving skywatchers plenty of chances to spend their summer nights looking for shooting stars. The annual alpha Capricornids, the Southern delta Aquariids and the Perseid meteor showers are all currently active, with each celestial show set to last through mid-August. Here's what to know about these meteor showers, and where and how you can spot shooting stars. The alpha Capricornids The alpha Capricornids and the Southern delta Aquariids will peak in activity at the end of this month, overnight from July 29 to 30, while the Perseids — often considered the best and most reliable shooting star display — will ramp up to its peak next month. Skywatchers will likely encounter mostly favorable conditions for catching meteor showers this July, according to the American Meteor Society. The alpha Capricornids meteor shower is not typically a strong display, but it can produce a number of bright fireballs while active. At its height, the meteor shower can produce around five shooting stars per hour under dark skies and clear conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The shower gets its name because the meteors appear to stream from the constellation of Capricorn. During this year's peak, the moon will be only 27% full, offering people on either side of the equator a chance to catch the celestial show. The alpha Capricornids meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through clouds of dust particles and debris from the comet 169P/NEAT, which completes one orbit around the sun every 4.2 years. As pieces of debris hit the planet's atmosphere and vaporize, they create bright streaks of light that sometimes leave behind bright trails. The Southern delta Aquariids The Southern delta Aquariids, as their name suggests, are best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere. This meteor shower is capable of producing up to 25 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, but the shooting stars are typically fainter. Southern delta Aquariids can be tricky to spot, according to NASA, but the best chances this year will likely be in the early morning hours. The meteor shower is thought to be caused by pieces of the comet 96P/Machholz, which completes one orbit around the sun every 5.2 years. The Perseids Finally, the Perseids meteor shower is underway and is expected to peak overnight from Aug. 12 to 13. The Perseids are usually one of the most highly anticipated skywatching events of the year because the meteor shower occurs during warm summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and it typically delivers a high rate of shooting stars. Under ideal conditions, the Perseids can produce as many as 100 shooting stars per hour. This year, however, the moon will be around 84% full, which will likely wash out meteors and 'severely compromise this shower at the time of maximum activity,' according to the American Meteor Society. 'Such conditions will reduce activity by at least 75% as only the brighter meteors will be visible,' the society said in its forecast. The Perseids shower occurs when Earth passes through a cloud of dust particles and debris left over from a comet known as 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Perseids, best meteor shower of the year, are about to begin. Expert reveals where and when you can watch them
TIL Creatives 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 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 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 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 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. 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? 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 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 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 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 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.
Time of India
3 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. 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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.
