The best night to see them will be tomorrow , the night of the 12th to the 13th. But if anyone is impatient and can't wait or simply won't be able to make it tomorrow, they can also be seen tonight. However, the peak is tomorrow! It's quite a spectacle to see them disintegrate in the atmosphere, 100km away.
We're going to share the best tips for seeing them, as well as explain why this phenomenon occurs. Many of you may already be hoping for a lucky break and want to make a wish when you see one. Although, with all the light pollution, for some, seeing one might be the real luck. Let's not forget that the clearer the skies, without clouds or light pollution, the more intense this night can be.
First of all. Where do the stars come from?
Comet Swift Tuttle. Where did the Perseids come from
The celestial body from which they originate is Comet Swift-Tuttle . They are fragments of the comet's tail. Its name derives from Dewis Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle, who discovered it on July 19, 1862. It has a diameter of 26 kilometers and an orbit around the Sun of 135 years. The last time it was visible was in 1992, when it produced a ZHR (Zero Zenithal Hourly Rate) of 300.
Since then, activity has been decreasing and settling at a normal ZHR of 100. It should be noted that in 2009, a meteor passed through a debris stream with a higher population density, resulting in a ZHR of 173. The meteors are high-speed, traveling at 59 km/s . Their activity period is very long; therefore, although the peak is around this time, it is quite possible to see one between July 16 and August 24.
The official name is Perseids, as they appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. But they are widely known as the "Tears of Saint Lawrence ." This is because August 10th is the feast day of this saint . In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, they consistently peaked on the day Saint Lawrence was commemorated, and since then they have been popularly known by this name. However, the phenomenon was first documented in 36 AD.
How to get a good look at them?
Those with vehicles can travel to areas with minimal light pollution . Keep in mind that going to higher altitudes also offers clearer views of the sky . It's best to check the weather forecast, in case you're heading to an area where clouds are expected. For more information on the best viewing spots, you can consult how to see the meteor shower in different parts of Spain or check out how to see the Orionids.
For people who are without vehicles and in the city, the recommendations are more or less the same but applied to the city. In high areas, and above all avoiding being very exposed to light or surrounded by buildings that prevent us from having a full view of the sky. Even so, they can be seen, but many of them can go unnoticed.
Where to look?
It is a very recurring question in how much we observe the sky in search of visually capturing the "flashes" of a shower of stars. Yes yes, but where do I look ... Anywhere? Here there? Where?
You need to look towards the constellation Perseus , as that's where the meteors appear to originate. In other words, if you look 25 degrees north, or southwest of Perseus , you'll have a much easier time spotting the fast-moving meteors. For more details about this phenomenon, you can read about the characteristics of meteor showers.
Although it's "easy" to locate them with the naked eye, we can always experience the night more intensely. Use binoculars or a compass along with a celestial map to ensure we're aiming our gaze correctly. Once you've located the spot, don't be surprised if it takes a while to locate one; it usually happens. So the best thing to do is relax in a chair or lounger, bundle up in some warm clothing, and enjoy something to eat and drink to pass the time.
Have a magical night all of you!
