Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks August 12 with Ideal Viewing Conditions
The peak of the Perseid meteor shower occurs from the night of August 12 to August 13, 2023, with optimal viewing conditions provided by the new moon. Astronomer Aparna Venkatesan highlights that the absence of moonlight significantly improves visibility. This meteor shower, famous for its vibrant trails and fireballs, can produce between 50 to 100 meteors per hour in ideal conditions, although the American Meteor Society suggests an estimate of 30 to 50. Originating from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, discovered by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1865, the shower is named after the constellation Perseus. Bob King advises viewers to begin observing around 10 p.m. on August 12, while Robert Lunsford recommends looking north, with peak activity likely by 4 a.m. The event also inspired John Denver's 1972 song "Rocky Mountain High."
Key facts
- Perseid meteor shower peaks on night of August 12-13.
- New moon phase ensures dark skies for optimal viewing.
- Viewers may see 50-100 meteors per hour at peak.
- Meteors travel at 37 miles per second.
- Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle is the source, with a 16-mile-wide core.
- Connection to comet established by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1865.
- Observations date back over 2,000 years.
- Best viewing starts around 10 p.m. on August 12.
Entities
Artists
- Aparna Venkatesan
- Mark Laurin
- Robert Quimby
- Bob King
- Robert Lunsford
- Giovanni Schiaparelli
- John Denver
Institutions
- University of San Francisco
- NASA
- American Meteor Society
- San Diego State University
- Sky & Telescope
- American Meteorological Society
- Aspen Times
- Associated Press
Locations
- Inyo National Forest
- Bishop
- California
- United States
- Northern Hemisphere
- Colorado