Exactly when, where and how to see the Shooting Stars this weekend

The Perseids meteor shower – the most popular of the year – is about to peak. It’s time to head out into the countryside, find dark skies and try to see more than 50 “meteors” per hour streaking across the night sky.

“The Perseide shower is one of the best meteor showers of the year,” Dr. Nick Moskovitz, a planetary astronomer at Lowell Observatory, said in an email. “For the best viewing, find a dark location away from any lights. At the peak, you may see up to 100 meteors per hour.”

Here’s when, where, and how to see the 2023 Perseids meteor shower:

Perseids 2023: When do you see the “shooting stars”

The Perseids meteor shower is worth catching at the height of its night. according to sky at nightThere is a 16-hour period in which activity is enhanced. It falls 50% outside this window. “The peak shower will be after midnight on August 13, but any day before or after that should be fine, too,” Moskovitz said.

The exact peak this year is expected to occur at 04:00 UTC on Sunday, August 13, which translates as follows:

• 12:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, August 13th.
• 11pm CST on Saturday, August 12th.
• 9 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 12th.
• 10 p.m. EST on Saturday, August 12th.
• 8 p.m. PDT on Saturday, August 12th.

So wherever you are in North America, you should start looking a few hours after sunset (around 10pm) and stay up until it starts to light around 4am. good luck! (bring coffee).

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Perseids 2023: Where to be seen ‘shooting stars’

Given that the Perseid meteors seem to come from the same region of the sky as the constellation Perseus, it might seem reasonable to look in that direction. This will be the northeast of the northern hemisphere. However, since the lanes left by the Perseid meteor shower in the night sky are rather short, it is best to look away from that purportedly radiant point, either to the north or to the east.

Shooting stars can appear anywhere in the night sky, but if you look about halfway up the sky to the north or east, you have a very good chance of seeing some bright Perseids.

If you want to catch a glimpse of long corridors, look south or west, as the Perseids will appear to come from behind you. For the “Earthgrazers” — meteorites with long trains that seem to creep just above the surface — take care once dark.

More from ForbesWhere to see the Perseid meteor shower at its best: Eight dark spots to book nowby Jimmy Carter

Perseids 2023: How be seen ‘shooting stars’

Here are some tips for seeing meteor showers NASA:

• The best time to watch is after midnight.
• Get as far away from light pollution in urban areas as possible.
• Find a location with a clear, clear view of the night sky (try camping).
• Dress warmly – it can get very cold.
• Be patient and watch for at least half an hour, preferably on a reclining chair or floor cushion.
• Do not use a telescope or binoculars, as they will greatly reduce your chances of seeing the “shooting stars”.
• Avoid looking at your mobile phone or any other white light – it will ruin your night vision. Use red light only.

Perseids 2024: what is the next date?

The next peak of the Perseids meteor shower will occur on August 12-13, 2024.

I wish you clear skies and wide eyes.

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