The annual Perseid meteor shower is set to peak overnight Sunday and into the predawn hours Monday, offering skywatchers around the world a chance to witness one of the best shooting star displays of the year. The Perseids are highly anticipated for their high rate of shooting stars, with as many as 100 per hour visible from dark locations. This year, experts are predicting favorable conditions for the event, as the moon will set by around 11:30 p.m. local time, allowing for clearer viewing. It is recommended to pick an unobstructed, dark viewing location away from city lights and let the eyes adjust to the dark for about 45 minutes.
While the peak of the meteor shower offers the highest rate of shooting stars, Perseid meteors have been visible for weeks leading up to and after the peak. The shower occurs annually from mid-July to late August as Earth passes through a cloud of dust particles and debris left over from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862. As these pieces hit the atmosphere and vaporize, they leave behind bright trails, creating the streaks of light that we see during the meteor shower. The Perseids are known for being rich in bright meteors and fireballs, making them a popular event for skywatchers each year.
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