Meteor showers happen when the Earth passes through streams of rocks and pebbles left behind by comets and asteroids. The annual Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular meteor showers in the night skies, and the Perseids will peak tonight. Managing editor Tami Roleff tells you where and when you can see this amazing light show…
The annual Perseid meteor shower will peak just before dawn on Monday, August 13. The August Perseids are among the most readily observed annual meteor showers, and usually you can see 50 to 60 meteors per hour; however, if you have a wide-open view of exceptionally dark skies, you could see up to 90 or even 100 per hour. To see the meteors, go to a dark spot and look to the northeast. Best viewing time is between 2 and 5 a.m. The meteor shower continues up to August 23, but the number of meteors will fall off sharply after tonight. So put out a lounge chair, blanket, or camp mattress, line it up with your feet pointing to the northeast, and enjoy the show.
