Perseid Meteor Shower

As our planet crosses the orbital path of the comet Swift-Tuttle the Perseid meteor shower will be active from 17 July to 24 August.  The result is a show of meteors August 11th thru 13th - with the best viewing in the predawn hours of August 12th.  Over this period, there will be a chance of seeing Perseid meteors whenever the shower's radiant point – in the constellation Perseus – is above the horizon, with the number of visible meteors increasing the higher the radiant point is in the sky. 

At our latitude here at The Platz - the radiant point is circumpolar - meaning it is always above the horizon and the shower will be active throughout the night. The radiant point is highest in the east after dawn – at around 07:00 CDT – and so the shower is likely to produce its best displays shortly before dawn, when its radiant point is highest. 

At peak it is possible that as many as 40 to 50 meteors per hour will be visible.  This also coincides with a new moon - so moonlight will present minimal interference.  If you are disinclined to rise in the predawn hours you can watch before moon-rise in the evening.  The frequency will be fewer but you stand a better chance of seeing an earthgrazer.  These are elongated, long-lasting meteors that move horizontally across the sky.  If you see one you will not forget it.

Fingers-crossed for optimal viewing the next few evenings.