Perseid meteor shower 2021 active now: how to watch the breathtaking spectacle

One of the solar system’s best celestial shows kicked off with the Perseids’ annual meteor shower. We can thank the large comet 109P / Swift-Tuttle for the small pieces of space debris that hit Earth’s atmosphere and turn into distinctive “shooting stars” in the meteor shower.

According to NASA, the Perseids will be active from now until August 24, with a peak in mid-August. The space agency said it was “considered the best meteor shower of the year.”

The Perseids are popular for their reliability and potential for spectacular fireballs. “The Perseids are one of the most abundant showers (50 to 100 meteors seen per hour) and occur with hot nightly summer weather, allowing sky watchers to see them easily,” NASA said in a report. explanation of the Perseids intended for the northern hemisphere.

Fireballs occur when larger chunks of cometary debris hit the atmosphere, creating long trails of light, the kind that make you say “Whoa!” Ready to get excited? Check out these photos from last year’s shower:

Catch a shooting star

In its simplest form, watching a meteor shower is all about going out at night and looking up, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of seeing a good show. You’re in luck if you’re an early riser. The hours before dawn is a prime viewing time, but NASA also says you can see meteors as early as 10 p.m. local time.

Some of the biggest obstacles to good meteor viewing are cloudy weather and light pollution. Aim for a clear night and try to get away from the city lights. A hammock, blanket, or chair that leans back will prevent you from twisting your neck. Give your eyes enough time to adjust to the dark.

You can spot meteors anywhere in the sky, although they get their name from the fact that they appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. To find Perseus, Discover a stargazing app this will help you locate the constellation. Perseus isn’t the actual source of the shower, but it can be useful in tracking down the sometimes elusive streaks of light.

You don’t have to wait until the peak in mid-August to enjoy the action. A dark spot on a clear day can provide an interesting viewing experience throughout the Perseid visit. Catch those shooting stars while you can.

Follow CNET’s 2021 space calendar to stay up to date with all the latest space news this year. You can even add it to your own Google Calendar.