Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight With Up to 150 Meteors Per Hour

The Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak late tonight, from August 12 to 13, offering a spectacular celestial display visible to the naked eye. This annual event occurs between July 17 and August 24, and this year’s viewing conditions are expected to be ideal due to the new moon setting early at 19:30, ensuring dark skies free from moonlight interference.

According to the Israeli Space Agency, the meteor rate at the peak could reach up to 150 meteors per hour, making it one of the most impressive meteor showers of the year. The Perseids originate from debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which orbits the sun every 133 years. This comet has been observed for over 2,000 years and is known for producing bright fireballs during the meteor shower.

The best time to watch the Perseids is between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. Observers are advised to find a dark, open area away from city lights, such as a desert, and to allow their eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Experts recommend avoiding looking at phone screens to maintain night vision. Simply reclining and looking up at the sky will provide an unforgettable experience of "shooting stars."