Stargazers across Britain are poised for an astronomical treat as they are being beckoned to scan the heavens this week to witness a stunning meteor shower hitting its zenith.
The Perseid meteor shower, renowned for its intensity with numerous and luminous meteors, graces our skies annually between July and August, and this year it’s anticipated to culminate from August 12-13.
Prospective astronomers could feast their eyes on up to 100 shooting stars every hour during this celestial event, which consists of the cosmic detritus left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet, with a visitation schedule ranging between 20 to 200 years, was last spotted in 1992.
Often lauded as “one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August” by the experts at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the shower also known as Per-see-id promises to dazzle.
Dr Ed Bloomer, a senior astronomer at the observatory, has clarified that despite tonight marking the peak, there is no need for dismay if missed, as visibility won’t drastically diminish immediately. In his words to The Guardian: “The Perseids should give good viewing a couple of days either side, with local weather and light conditions probably more significant factors than the precise mathematical peak.”
The Perseid meteor, which travels at an average speed of 36 miles per second, creates a bright streak across the night sky as the air in front of it is compressed and heated to thousands of degrees Celsius. Smaller meteors vaporise and leave behind a bright trail of light, often seen as a shooting star, while larger meteors can explode as fireballs.
This year’s Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 to August 24, with the number of meteors decreasing after the peak overnight on August 12. At this point, up to 100 “bright fast meteors with trains” will be visible.
As the moon sets below the horizon around 10.30pm, light pollution will decrease, making the meteors more prominent.
The Perseids radiant is always above the horizon in the UK, so stargazers should be able to see some meteors as soon as the sun sets, meaning you don’t have to stay up late to catch a glimpse. However, the Royal Greenwich Observatory suggests that the best time to see the Perseids is between midnight and 5.30am.
“It is always ideal to try to spot meteors when the moon is below the horizon or when it is in its crescent phase, otherwise it acts as natural light pollution and prevents the fainter meteors from being visible,” the observatory explains. “In 2024 the peak of the Perseid meteor shower is around the moon’s first quarter phase, so conditions are reasonably favourable for seeing Perseid meteors.”
When it comes to spotting the Perseids, location is key. While they can be seen from anywhere, certain areas will offer a clearer view and increase your chances of witnessing the meteor shower.
Clear skies are crucial, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Light pollution can also hinder your viewing experience. If you’re in a bustling city with bright streetlights and illuminated signs, it may be more difficult to see the meteors streak across the sky.
The Royal Greenwich Observatory suggests heading to the countryside or a local park, or simply turning your back to street lamps if you can’t travel. They also advise allowing your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness to spot fainter meteors – this includes avoiding looking at your phone.
The meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so aim for a clear open view of the horizon, free from trees and buildings. While binoculars and telescopes might seem like stargazing essentials, the observatory actually advises against them as they limit the size of the sky visible to you.
Stargazers are in for a treat as the meteors will appear to originate from the constellation of Perseus. Dr Bloomer suggests using peripheral vision, which is more sensitive in dim conditions, to spot them.
He explained: “Perseus is rising in the north-east as the sun’s going down, and so you want to look maybe more over towards the east.”
