Every year toward the middle of August the Perseid's make their grand entrance into our atmosphere, causing the most epic meteor shower of the year. This spectacular show occurs when the earth passes through debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. Swift-Tuttle only makes its orbit around the sun every 130 years, but every year we come crashing through the sand-size meteors it left behind during previous flybys (Morgan, Space).
According to Space.com, the comet Swift-Tuttle was ‘"discovered" by American astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle [in] 1862. Abraham Lincoln was president.” Since this revolutionary discovery modern humans have seen the Swift-Tuttle only once more, in the year 1992.
Personally speaking, I look forward to the Perseid's each year and I am especially excited for them this year. The 2016 Perseid's will put on a spectacular show due to the concentrated cluster of meteor debris that the earth is passing through. According to NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke, “Peak meteor rates could reach as high as 200 an hour” (Space). Which is a significant increase when compared to the average 60-100 meteors-per-hour in years prior.
Still not convinced? Here are four reasons for you to head outside for the show this week…
1. “The Perseid's feature fast and bright meteors that frequently leave trails” (Morgan). They are not only spectacular to watch, but astrophotographers love them as well. Check out some fantastic shots from the NatGeo community.
2. The Perseid's provide the perfect opportunity for family bonding as well as a fun adventure for friends or that special someone. The darker the sky is the better the views are. So, you and a friend or loved one can grab some blankets and some coffee and head out in the wee hours of the morning (predawn is best) to dodge the light of the moon as well as the lights of the city.
3. They make you think. It is almost impossible not to contemplate the big questions and think about life when staring into a glittering abyss watching particles of space rock burn across the sky. So, take this time to reflect and think of the one who created the spectacle before you.
4. The Perseid meteor shower happens every year, but this year is special with the increased meteors-per-hour rate during the peak. This year is the perfect show to watch, especially for first-time stargazers. So, find when the moon sets in your area here and determine your optimum show time.
So, at 12 a.m. sharp (or at moon-set as stated above) on the night of August 11th to 12th, make sure to be in the darkest possible location with your eyes pointed toward the northeastern constellation Perseus for a show you won’t soon forget.
