Latest news with #PerseidMeteorshower
Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Science
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland set for spectacular Perseid meteor shower display tonight
The annual meteor shower occurs each summer as Earth passes through a trail of debris left by a comet that also orbits the Sun. Small dust particles flare up under the pressure of the planet's atmosphere to create shooting stars, and a dazzling display which attracts both amateur astronomers and casual sky-watchers. The meteor shower has been running for a few weeks and will continue until around August 24. Professor Alan Fitzsimmons, an asteroid and cometary science expert at Queen's University Belfast, explained: 'The Perseid Meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of comet dust created by Comet Swift-Tuttle. "The small dust particles enter our atmosphere at 59 km per second, vaporising and producing the streak of light we call a meteor or shooting star. 'The comet itself, Swift–Tuttle, takes 133 years to orbit the Sun and leaves behind a dense trail of dust and small fragments. "When our planet passes through this trail, the results are visible from the ground in the form of bright, fast-moving meteors.' If the skies remain clear, Professor Fitzsimmons said the meteor shower's peak tonight will bring the best viewing conditions. 'It started several days ago and will continue for a few more days, but the best night is tonight (Tuesday), when the Earth will pass closest to the centre of the stream and we'll see more meteors,' said Professor Fitzsimmons. For those who are keen to see the meteor shower, rural areas away from city or street lights are best to get the full impact of the lights. Open countryside, and elevated locations such as the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins, or the Causeway Coast offer the darkest skies and the clearest views. Professor Fitzsimmons added: 'People should go away from streetlights and other light pollution. "You are best looking out from about 10pm until 11pm when the Moon is well above the horizon, you might see a meteor every few minutes. "After 11pm, you will still see bright meteors, but fainter ones will be drowned out by moonlight.' No specialist equipment is required; the shooting stars are best viewed with the naked eye, as meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. Shooting stars will be visible across the UK for the duration of the annual meteor shower. Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer Dr Ed Bloomer said that around 150 meteors will cross the sky per hour, but that amount will not be visible because the horizon blocks a full view of the sky. However, an estimated 100 meteors could be seen per hour in certain locations that are particularly flat and dark. Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant? Dr Bloomer recommended stargazers wait half an hour to let their eyes get used to it, adding: 'Take a camping chair or something — if you had one, you would just sit down, and you would just relax, and you would just wait. People struggling to see the meteors can turn and watch through their peripheral vision as it is 'a little bit better with low light conditions', he said. Shooting stars generally only last a second or two and sometimes appear in flurries, the astronomer said. Rarer meteors the size of a fist or a basketball will produce longer tails and are known as fireballs, he added. These can last five to 10 seconds, but Dr Bloomer said he has only ever seen one. The level up is a bolide but 'that's a sort of national emergency type thing', he added.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Where to watch the Perseid meteor shower 2025: Best locations and viewing tips for August 12-13
Perseid meteor shower 2025: It's that time of the year again! The Perseid meteor shower is about to reach its spectacular peak during the night of August 12 and the early hours of August 13, just like every year. This annual event has long been a favourite among skywatchers because it can produce up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The best viewing time is typically in the predawn hours, when the sky is darkest and the constellation Perseus, the shower's radiant point, is high enough in the northeastern sky to provide the best show. Keep reading for tips on how to see the meteor shower at its best. What causes the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through the debris trail left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet. As these tiny particles, mostly dust and ice fragments, enter Earth's atmosphere at high speed, they burn up, creating bright streaks of light known as meteors. Occasionally, these meteors are extra bright and explosive, known as fireballs, which can momentarily light up the night sky and dazzle observers. BREAKING NEWS🚨: Perseid Meteor shower peaks on August 12 and 13, up to 100 meteor shower will blaze across the sky, no telescope needed!☄️ The challenge of this year's bright moon One key factor that can impact your viewing experience this year is the bright waning gibbous moon, which will be about 86% illuminated during the peak nights. Its strong glow can wash out many of the fainter meteors, making it difficult to see the full torrent of shooting stars that the Perseids are famous for. However, the brightest meteors and fireballs can still shine through this moonlight, so it's definitely worth heading out. Where should you go to maximise your chances? To catch the Perseid meteor shower at its best, location is everything. City lights and artificial glow from urban areas can significantly reduce the number of visible meteors. Your best bet is to travel to a dark sky area, far from the glare of street lamps and buildings. National parks, rural countryside, or specially designated dark-sky preserves are ideal. The darker the sky, the more meteors you'll be able to see. UPCOMING 🚨: The Perseid meteor shower peaks August 12 with up to 75 meteors per hour or more than 1 meteor every minute! ☄️Best visibility in dark regions with little to no Moon and artificial light Look for a wide-open spot with a clear view of the northeastern horizon, where the constellation Perseus rises. Higher elevation spots can also help, as they often have less atmospheric haze and light pollution. Make sure to bring a reclining chair or blanket so you can comfortably gaze upwards without straining your neck. How to spot Perseid meteors and what to look for When watching the Perseids, your eyes should focus on the northeastern sky, where the radiant — near the star Eta Persei — lies. Meteors will appear to shoot outwards from this point. Don't just stare directly at the radiant; meteors can streak across the sky in many directions, so it's best to have a wide view. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20 minutes, avoid using phones or bright screens, and be patient — meteor showers are a waiting game but well worth it. Additional tips for a better meteor shower experience Bring warm clothes and maybe some snacks, as nights can get chilly. Avoid bright flashlights or use red filters if you need to see. Apps or star maps can help you locate Perseus and Saturn, which will be visible near the radiant point this year. Lastly, going with friends or family can make the experience even more memorable. Perseid meteor shower 2025: Your best viewing plan This year's Perseid meteor shower promises a dazzling show despite the bright moonlight. To see the most meteors, plan to head out late on August 12 to a dark, open location away from city lights with a clear view of the northeastern sky. The fireballs in particular will stand out against the moon's glow, giving you a breathtaking glimpse into one of the best meteor showers of the year. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
