Perseids Meteor Shower 2024: How to Witness the Brilliant Summer Fireballs

The Perseids have returned, lighting up the night sky with their stunning displays of color and light.

This renowned annual meteor shower, which began in July, will reach its peak before dawn on Monday. Known for its brilliance and ease of visibility, it is set to produce many vivid blue meteors, according to Don Pollacco, an astronomer from the University of Warwick. The American Meteor Society forecasts over 50 meteors per hour, with the shower running until September 1.

Meteor showers are spectacular events that occur every year, and you don’t need special tools to enjoy them. They are primarily caused by the remnants of comets. The Perseids, specifically, come from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

When these space fragments enter Earth's atmosphere, they heat up due to air resistance, which makes them glow and leave behind a "shooting star" effect. The Perseids are particularly striking because they consist of larger particles compared to other showers, resulting in bright fireballs that are more noticeable.

For the best viewing experience, look up between midnight and dawn. To maximize your chances of seeing meteors, choose a location away from city lights. Clear skies and a slim, waning moon will also enhance visibility. This year, the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy optimal viewing conditions for the Perseids, with the peak coinciding with a moon that is about 44% full.

The American Meteor Society provides a schedule of major meteor showers, including peak dates and moonlight conditions. After the Perseids, the next major meteor shower will be the Orionids, which will peak in mid-October.