The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight Sunday and into the predawn hours Monday, giving skywatchers around the world a chance to enjoy one of the best shooting star displays of the year.
The Perseids are usually one of the most anticipated skywatching events of the year because the shower tends to deliver a high rate of shooting stars.
Weather permitting, stargazers could see as many as 100 per hour from dark locations.
Experts are predicting favorable conditions for this year’s show, particularly because the moon will set by around 11:30 p.m. local time, which means the shooting stars will not be washed out by bright moonlight.
While the meteor shower's peak will likely produce the highest rate of shooting stars, Perseid meteors have been visible for weeks — and will continue to be seen after this weekend.
Persons:
stargazers, Bill Cooke, Tuttle
Organizations:
NASA’s Marshall Space, NASA
Locations:
Meteoroid, Alabama