Every summer the Perseids meteor shower returns to the night sky in our hemisphere - or rather earth passes through the debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, which produces the magnificent streaks in the night sky as the dust particles burn up in the atmosphere.

 

This year, the Perseids will peak in the late evening of Wednesday, August 11 into the early morning hours of Thursday, August 12. Because the moon is waning right now and, according to experts, will be only 13% full by the time the Perseids are in full bloom. That means if the sky is clear, moonlight will not spoil the view.

 

Sky watchers can expect to see up to 50 shooting stars per hour at the peak. You also don’t need any special equipment to see the Perseids meteor shower, just an open sky, a comfortable chair, and perhaps a cup of coffee as prime viewing will take place between midnight and dawn.

 

Best viewing will be August 11, 12 and 13.