Space Events

Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseids, where the Earth is whizzing through particles left over from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which last passed us in 1992 gives stargazers one of the year’s best meteor events.

The meteor shower has already begun, as it runs from mid-July to the end of August each year. But as we near the peak, which occurs on Aug. 12, the number of meteors per hour increases. On the peak night, you may see as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour in a dark-sky location.

However, there is a downside to this year's shower: the moon. Unfortunately, it will rise around 11 p.m. — about 70 per cent of it illuminated — washing out all but the brightest meteors. While the best time to catch some meteors is after midnight and into the wee hours of the morning, the moon won't give you that chance. Instead, try to head out before moonrise over the next few days.