STARGAZERS consider seeing the Perseid meteor shower as one of the highlights of the stargazing calendar.
If you’ve ever wanted to wish on a shooting star, then the Perseid meteor shower is the perfect time to do just that – and we have everything you need to know.
Where to see Perseid meteor shower
With up to 150 shooting stars streaking through the sky per hour – it is one of the brightest and most active showers of the year.
This well-known astronomical event can be seen between July and August, each year – with some nights brighter than others when the shower hits it’s peak.
And it can be seen anywhere in the UK – all you have to do is head out and see what you can observe in the night sky.
You don’t have to visit a dark site or any particular stargazing spot – just make sure to find an area with little artificial light.
1
Once you’ve found your prime viewing spot – look for Perseid meteors at an altitude around 60˚ in any direction.
Now you’re ready to sit back and look up – ready to a sky full of captivating lights.
When is the Perseid meteor shower in 2022?
The Perseid meteor shower is active between August 17, 2022 and August 24, 2022.
However, the shower will hit it’s peak this year on Friday, August 12, 2022.
The display is caused by Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
And the meteors seem to originate from the Perseus constellation – which is in the northern sky and is named after the Greek mythological hero Perseus.
Most read in Tech
What is the best time to see Perseid meteor shower
If you’re planning on seeing this spectacular burst in the sky – then the best time to see the Perseids is when the sky is darkest.
This means stargazing should happen between midnight and around 5.30am in the UK.
However, according to the Royal Observatory: “The radiant of the Perseids is actually always above the horizon as seen from the UK, which means that observers in the UK should be able to see some meteors as soon as the Sun sets.
“Therefore, it is worth looking up in the early evening.”
