The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, may have already passed its official peak, but skywatchers still have a prime opportunity to enjoy it this weekend. Several factors are aligning to make these nights potentially even more enjoyable than the peak itself.
One major reason is the fading moonlight. Earlier in the week, a bright gibbous moon washed out much of the night sky, reducing visibility of fainter meteors. Now, as the moon wanes and rises later in the night, darker skies will give stargazers a clearer, more vibrant view of the Perseids.
The shower remains active until August 23, meaning there are still plenty of shooting stars to see. While the number of meteors may not reach the dazzling 60 to 100 per hour seen at peak activity, viewers can still expect to witness a steady stream of bright streaks—many of them vivid enough to pierce through any lingering moonlight. Some could even appear as dramatic fireballs.
For the best experience, experts recommend heading to a location far from city lights, allowing at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The most active viewing period will be from midnight until dawn, when the meteor shower’s radiant point is highest in the sky. Reclining in a comfortable position and keeping a wide field of view will maximize your chances of catching the most spectacular meteors.
With clear skies, a darker backdrop, and the Perseids still going strong, this weekend offers stargazers one last golden chance to catch nature’s light show before it fades for another year.
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