The annual Perseid meteor shower is ready to put on a spectacular show for stargazers, with its peak occurring on the night of August 11th and before dawn on August 12th, 2024. The shower, known for its dazzling shooting star displays, is visible each year from mid-July to late August in the Northern Hemisphere and down to the mid-southern latitudes.

Viewing tips for a stellar experience

According to Space.com and Forbes, the best way to view the meteor shower is by finding the darkest possible location with little to no light pollution. It's important to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes before watching the shower, so you should avoid using cellphones or any other sources of bright light.

To find the Perseid meteor shower's radiant point, look for the Perseus constellation, which follows the brighter Cassiopeia constellation across the night sky. To see the most meteors, simply lean back, relax, and gaze at the midnight sky. No binoculars or telescopes are needed, as they could narrow your field of view and reduce your overall viewing experience.

The cause behind the cosmic show

The Perseid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. When these bits of ice and rock hit Earth's atmosphere, they create the stunning shooting star effect. At its peak, viewers can expect to see an average of up to 150-200 meteors per hour, according to NASA. Comet Swift-Tuttle was discovered in 1862 and last passed close to Earth in 1992. Its next visit is expected in 2126.

While the Perseids occur each year, a potential Perseid meteor storm has been predicted to happen in 2028, according to Space.com. Mark your calendars, stargazers!