The height of this year’s Perseid meteor shower aligns with the new moon phase, ensuring that the lunar luminosity will not overshadow the brightness of the meteors in the sky.
Considered the best meteor shower of the year, the Perseid spectacle returned to light up the skies and will reach its peak on the night of August 12th and 13th.
Astronomy lovers will be able to witness not just one, but two remarkable celestial events within a few hours.
A high-intensity partial solar eclipse will also be visible in the UK in the early evening, before the sun sets and the stars emerge.
Although the two phenomena are not directly related, the coincidence of dates provides a rare opportunity to observe the sky.
Astronomer Dr. Becky Smethurst described the occurrence as a “perfect cosmic coincidence of events.”
See below the best times to follow the meteor shower and the locations where visibility will be most favorable.
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Follow the main details of the exceptional astronomical night
Understand the phenomenon of the Perseid meteor shower
Meteor showers occur when the Earth crosses the path of debris left by asteroids or comets, which are bodies composed of frozen rock and gas in orbit around the Sun.
Upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, this incandescent debris generates luminous and spectacular trails, known as meteors.
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Dr. Becky Smethurst, a researcher at the Royal Astronomical Society, called the Perseid meteor shower “one of the best nights for astronomy all year.”
The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus, are formed specifically by the debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle.
This comet is notable for its size, with a solid core that measures 26 kilometers in diameter.
Due to its 133-year orbit around the Sun, much longer than ours, some of the rocky fragments we see burning in the sky may have been released more than a century ago.
“It’s like the Universe’s own cosmic clock, in a way,” Smethurst said.
These meteors can be seen in different parts of the world and get their name because they appear to originate from the constellation Perseus.
Best times to observe the Perseid meteors
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The Perseid meteor shower will be active from mid-July until August 23, but most nights it features just a few meteors per hour.
However, the ideal period for observation will be in the early hours of August 12th and 13th, between midnight and dawn.
During these moments, the number of meteors will be significantly greater, reaching more than 100 “shooting stars” per hour for those who are very lucky.
To maximize the experience, it is recommended to choose a location away from urban areas and any source of artificial light, which can obscure the faintest meteors.
This year offers exceptional conditions for observation, as the new moon will not cause light interference.
It is advisable to give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness and direct your gaze to the widest, unobstructed area of the sky possible.
Weather forecast for stargazing
Across most of England and Wales, skywatchers will find mostly clear skies throughout the night, with a slight chance of some isolated fog.
Those planning to watch the event in the far north of England, Northern Ireland or much of Scotland may need more patience.
Although some openings in the sky are expected, there will be periods of great cloudiness and even the possibility of rain in certain regions.
For those in the northwest of Scotland, going to bed earlier may be the best alternative, due to the unfavorable conditions.
Learn more: Europe observes total solar eclipse that darkens the day for the first time in decades
The weather forecast may still be updated, so it is important to check the latest information with local weather services.
Possibility of seeing meteors during the solar eclipse
During an eclipse, the sky darkens, providing a brief opportunity to observe the Perseid meteor shower.
However, this possibility only exists in regions where a total eclipse can be seen, such as Spain, and not in the United Kingdom, where only a partial eclipse will be visible.
Even under these conditions, the chances are extremely low: “You would have to be very, very lucky to see a shooting star during a total eclipse,” Dr. Smethurst said.
It is essential to remember that, to observe a solar eclipse, the use of certified sun protection glasses is mandatory, as looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause permanent damage to your vision.