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Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak: See photos of the dazzling show
The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak, and stunning photos captured moments of the meteor shower around the world. "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." Summer's popular meteor shower began on July 17, and will continue until the end of August. But, the night of Tuesday, Aug. 12 is when the shower peaked, meaning it was when the most meteorites, or shooting stars, could be seen streaking across the sky. Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is also known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs. However, in 2025, the showers' peak would not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY. Fortunately, the less-than-perfect conditions didn't stop people from going to capture photos of the Perseids and the gorgeous night sky. People feeling a bit of FOMO can still catch a glimpse of the meteor shower over the weekend. While they may not see as many shooting stars, people can still catch the dazzling show until the meteor shower ends on Aug. 23.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Science
- USA Today
Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak: See photos of the dazzling show
The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak, and stunning photos captured moments of the meteor shower around the world. "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." Summer's popular meteor shower began on July 17, and will continue until the end of August. But, the night of Tuesday, Aug. 12 is when the shower peaked, meaning it was when the most meteorites, or shooting stars, could be seen streaking across the sky. Less than ideal conditions to see meteor showers Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is also known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs. However, in 2025, the showers' peak would not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY. Fortunately, the less-than-perfect conditions didn't stop people from going to capture photos of the Perseids and the gorgeous night sky. People feeling a bit of FOMO can still catch a glimpse of the meteor shower over the weekend. While they may not see as many shooting stars, people can still catch the dazzling show until the meteor shower ends on Aug. 23. See photos of the the Perseid meteor shower Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Science
- Indianapolis Star
The 2025 Perseid meteor shower won't be ideal. Here are more meteor showers that will be.
The popular Perseid meteor shower will peak soon, but backyard astronomers may not be able to see as many shooting stars as they usually do. Not to worry, though, because six more meteor showers will peak before the end of 2025. The meteor shower began in July and will end near the end of August, but the moon, which was at its peak early morning on Saturday, Aug. 9, could interfere with what is usually a dazzling celestial show. However, from August to December, six more meteor showers will peak, and three of them will be around the time of the new moon. So our moon won't interfere with them the way it would during its peak, when it looks full. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of Tuesday, August 12, into the early morning of August 13 before sunrise, according to the American Meteor Society's website. Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs. However, in 2025, the showers' peak will not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY. This year's peak will occur around four days after the full moon's peak. More news: Perseid meteor shower nears its 2025 peak, but viewing might be 'hampered' The meteor showers that have already happened this year are Quadrantids (started in 2024 but peaked in January 2025), Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, and, most recently, the Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, according to the American Meteor Society website. The site also states that there are several more happening this year, which include: The Quadrantids will also begin in 2025, on Friday, Dec. 26, but it will not peak until Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, when the moon will be 100% full. Since the Quadrantids start in 2025 but peak in 2026, six more meteor showers are set to reach their peak this year. Depending on the weather and cloud coverage, the showers that occur closer to the new moon will receive less interference from the light of the moon, and it will be easier to see, Lunsford previously said. So, of the six meteor showers that will reach their peak, the Orionids, Leonids, and Ursids will have the least amount of interference from the moon and offer better views. If you're still determined to see the Perseids, "you should face away from the moon," said Lunsford. While they can come from anywhere, the moon's light could affect your chances of seeing a meteor, but there is a small way to remedy that. "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." Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to the society: For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower, according to the society. However, Lunsford said that those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500 and recommends purchasing from Celestron. He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Science
- USA Today
The 2025 Perseid meteor shower won't be ideal. Here are more meteor showers that will be.
The popular Perseid meteor shower will peak soon, but backyard astronomers may not be able to see as many shooting stars as they usually do. Not to worry, though, because six more meteor showers will peak before the end of 2025. The meteor shower began in July and will end near the end of August, but the moon, which was at its peak early morning on Saturday, Aug. 9, could interfere with what is usually a dazzling celestial show. However, from August to December, six more meteor showers will peak, and three of them will be around the time of the new moon. So our moon won't interfere with them the way it would during its peak, when it looks full. Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Perseid meteor shower. When does the Perseid meteor shower peak? The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of Tuesday, August 12, into the early morning of August 13 before sunrise, according to the American Meteor Society's website. What happens when the Perseids peak? Usually, during its peak, there will be up to 50 to 75 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. The meteor shower is known to produce very bright meteors, often referred to as fireballs. However, in 2025, the showers' peak will not meet these ideal conditions because the moon will be too bright, Robert Lunsford, the American Meteor Society's newsletter editor and fireball report coordinator, previously told USA TODAY. This year's peak will occur around four days after the full moon's peak. More news: Perseid meteor shower nears its 2025 peak, but viewing might be 'hampered' More meteor showers in 2025 The meteor showers that have already happened this year are Quadrantids (started in 2024 but peaked in January 2025), Lyrids, Eta Aquariids, and, most recently, the Alpha Capricornids and Southern Delta Aquariids, according to the American Meteor Society website. The site also states that there are several more happening this year, which include: The Quadrantids will also begin in 2025, on Friday, Dec. 26, but it will not peak until Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, when the moon will be 100% full. Since the Quadrantids start in 2025 but peak in 2026, six more meteor showers are set to reach their peak this year. Which meteor showers will be the easiest to view this year? Depending on the weather and cloud coverage, the showers that occur closer to the new moon will receive less interference from the light of the moon, and it will be easier to see, Lunsford previously said. So, of the six meteor showers that will reach their peak, the Orionids, Leonids, and Ursids will have the least amount of interference from the moon and offer better views. Where should you face to see the Perseids? If you're still determined to see the Perseids, "you should face away from the moon," said Lunsford. While they can come from anywhere, the moon's light could affect your chances of seeing a meteor, but there is a small way to remedy that. "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." Those hoping to see the shower should also do the following, according to the society: For optimal comfort, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray, and bring a blanket or a reclining chair. Do you need any equipment to see the meteor shower? No, onlookers will not need any equipment to see the meteor shower, according to the society. However, Lunsford said that those interested in purchasing equipment should steer clear of telescopes that cost less than $500 and recommends purchasing from Celestron. He advises beginners to opt for a telescope with a lens instead of a mirror, and for those seeking a more affordable option, he recommends a pair of binoculars. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Perseid Meteor Shower 2025 Peak: Why does Perseids occur? Here's when, where to watch, ideal locations, best viewing tips
Synopsis Perseid Meteor Shower 2025 peak is here. This is when, where to watch, ideal locations and best viewing tips. Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12–13, 2025, with up to 15 meteors per hour expected due to moonlight interference. The waning gibbous moon will limit visibility, but observers may still see bright fireballs, especially before moonrise and during pre-dawn hours in dark-sky locations. TIL Creatives Perseid meteor streaking across the night sky, visible near the constellation Perseus during the 2025 peak. Perseid Meteor Shower 2025 peak is available. This is when, where to watch, ideal locations and best viewing tips. Perseid meteor shower reaches its annual peak on August 12–13, 2025. This event is one of the most anticipated meteor showers each year. Despite the moonlight interference from a waning gibbous moon, skywatchers still have opportunities to view bright meteors and occasional best viewing time for the Perseids will be in the pre-dawn hours of August 13. Under ideal conditions, up to 100 meteors per hour can be seen. However, the bright 86%-lit waning gibbous moon will reduce visibility to around 15 meteors per hour. Meteors may also be spotted as early as 10 p.m. local time on August 12. This early period offers a short window before the moon rises, allowing some observers to see long 'earthgrazers' — meteors that travel horizontally across the sky. Also Read: Alien: Earth: Release date, global release times, episode schedule, plot and where to watch Meteor expert Robert Lunsford from the American Meteor Society suggests watching between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time, facing north with the moon at your back. The meteors will appear to originate from a point near the star Eta Persei in the constellation Perseus. To locate the best viewing spot in the sky, find the radiant point and look about 40 degrees above it. This is where meteor trails will appear longest. The clenched fist at arm's length can be used to estimate about 10 degrees of Perseid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. These particles enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds up to 37 miles (59 kilometers) per second, burning up and creating bright Perseid cloud is a debris stream extending along the comet's orbit. It contains particles that have been there for centuries, as well as younger dust filaments from 1865 that can cause early meteor Read: South Park Season 27: Episode 3 release date, time, where to watch live, stream without cable The waning gibbous moon will make many meteors harder to see. This year's rates will be lower compared to years with darker skies. Viewing early in the night before moonrise or during moon-shadowed hours will improve drop by about 50% each night after the peak. While post-peak viewing benefits from darker skies, the number of meteors decreases the best experience, choose a location far from city lights. Lie down on a blanket or chair and allow 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Facing the northeastern sky increases chances of spotting and families can enjoy this as an educational activity. The Perseids offer a chance to learn about astronomy and witness natural celestial events. What is the best time to view the Perseid meteor shower in 2025? The best viewing is between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time on August 13, facing north with the moon behind you, in a dark location away from city lights. Why will fewer Perseid meteors be visible in 2025? The bright waning gibbous moon will wash out dim meteors, reducing visibility to about 15 per hour. Bright fireballs may still be visible in ideal dark-sky conditions.
