With the closest extra supermoon we'll witness for another two decades orbiting just beyond our atmosphere this past weekend, many found that the radiating light-pollution was a distraction to the real show; the Perseids meteor shower.
Known to be the most prolific and crowd-favorite meteor shower for its mass appeal in the northern hemisphere this time of year, the shooting stars of the Perseids are the result of the falling debris of the comet Swift-Tuttle. Typically rather bright and visible even under the distraction of heavy artificial light, this year it was the moon that took it's spotlight. With a moon that illuminated 30% brighter than usual, the falling meteors found themselves lost amidst the moonlight.
But in spite of the lost weekend at the box office, it appears that the Perseid meteor shower can still make quite a splash amongst diehard fans. Researchers at the International Meteor Organization suggest that this weekend was just an opening show.
"They radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus the Hero, but, as will all meteor shower radiant points, you don't need to know Perseus to watch the shower; instead, the meteors [will] appear in all parts of the sky" researchers at Earth Sky said.
Predicting that the peak will take place Tuesday evening between sunset at 8:26pm and sunrise at 6:03am Wednesday morning, the IMO expects that the showers will give a dazzling show of more than 100 meteors an hour Tuesday night. Astronomers suggest that this year may still have some of the rarest, brightest meteors visible in all parts of the northern hemisphere, in spite of the moon being at its distracting brightest. However, advise that onlookers try to find their way out of the light pollution of the city for optimal viewing.
Seeking out dark hilltops and observatories would be preferred locations, however, as most cities anticipated the peak of the Perseids this past weekend, most will not be holding sponsored star-gazing events. Contact your local police department for information on where you might be able to safely observe the meteor shower, as many departments are extending viewing times at popular lookout points through sunrise Wednesday morning.
Although many may be shrouded in light, the Perseids will shine brightly this week, and promise a spectacular show to even the most novice of star-gazers. To catch a glimpse of the crowd favorites, look to the northeastern skies when the moon is at its lowest and you're certain to catch the show.
Meteor Showers this Week:
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Monday Night, Aug. 11: After sunset researchers expect meteors to average a rate of ~50 per hour.
Tuesday Night, Aug. 12: Nearing sunrise researchers predict that the average rate of falling meteors will exceed 100 per hour, closer to last year's average of 120.
Wednesday Night, Aug. 13: The evening right after the peak, Perseid meteors will still be visible under most conditions, however, plummet in terms of frequency with a rate of only about 20 per hour.
