Perseids ‘2022

The Perseids are one of the most famous and prolific meteor showers, originating from the debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet. Discovered in 1862, this comet has an orbit that takes it around the Sun every 133 years. As Earth passes through the trail of dust and particles shed by Swift-Tuttle, these fragments enter our atmosphere at high speeds, creating the bright streaks we see in the sky.

The Perseids are active annually from around July 17 to August 24, with the peak usually occurring between August 11 and 13. During the peak, stargazers can observe up to 60-100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. This meteor shower is best observed in the Northern Hemisphere, though it can also be seen in some parts of the Southern Hemisphere.

Scientific Facts

• Speed: The meteors travel at speeds of about 59 kilometers per second (37 miles per second) as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
• Size: Most Perseid meteoroids are small, ranging from the size of a grain of sand to a pea. Despite their size, the high speed at which they travel causes them to burn brightly.
• Radiant Point: The shower is named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. However, the meteors can be seen across the sky, not just near the constellation.

Curiosities

• The Comet’s Return: Comet Swift-Tuttle, the source of the Perseids, last passed close to Earth in 1992 and will return again in 2126.
• Fireballs: The Perseids are known for producing bright fireballs, which are larger explosions of light and color that can last longer than the average meteor streak.
• Ancient Observations: The Perseids have been observed for nearly 2,000 years, with the earliest records coming from China in A.D. 36.
• Cultural Significance: In medieval Europe, the Perseids were known as the “Tears of St. Lawrence,” as the peak of the shower often coincided with the feast day of St. Lawrence on August 10.

Viewing Tips

For the best viewing experience, find a dark area away from city lights. The meteors are visible to the naked eye, so no special equipment is needed. The best time to observe is after midnight, when the sky is darkest, and the radiant point is higher in the sky.