The Perseid meteor shower, a celestial spectacle that graces the skies from July to August, is a highlight for meteor enthusiasts. Known for its high hourly rate and bright meteors, the Perseids are a must-see for any stargazer. In 2024, the shower will be active from July 17 to August 24, with the peak occurring on August 12-13, according to a report by Royal Museum Greenwich.
For those in North America, the Perseid meteor shower can be viewed starting as early as 10 p.m. and continuing into the pre-dawn hours. On the night of August 11, the waxing crescent moon, about 50% illuminated, will provide some light until it sets around midnight. After the moon sets, the darkened skies will offer an ideal backdrop for meteor viewing.
The best time to observe the Perseids is between 2 and 4 a.m., when up to 100 meteors per hour may streak across the sky. NASA has noted that fireballs, or large, bright meteors, are a notable feature of the Perseid shower.
The best time to view the Perseid meteor shower is between midnight and 5:30 a.m. In the UK, the shower’s radiant is always above the horizon, so meteors can be seen as soon as the Sun sets. For optimal viewing, it’s ideal to observe when the Moon is below the horizon or in its crescent phase, as a full Moon can cause light pollution that obscures fainter meteors.
In 2024, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower coincides with the Moon’s First Quarter phase, making conditions relatively favorable for meteor spotting. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the year’s premier meteor showers, known for its bright meteors and high activity levels. Observers have a good chance of seeing fireballs—exceptionally bright meteors—as well as meteors with long, glowing trails during this shower, the report stated.
The term “Perseids” comes from the Greek word “Perseides,” referring to the descendants of Perseus, a hero in Greek mythology who beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and later married Andromeda, with whom he had nine children. In some Catholic traditions, the Perseid meteor shower is known as “the tears of St. Lawrence,” as its peak often coincides with the date of the saint’s martyrdom. Additionally, the Perseids are linked to the Roman god Priapus, who was believed to fertilize the fields annually by ejaculating on them around the time of the meteor shower’s peak, Royal Museums Greenwich added.
