The Year’s Most Spectacular Meteor Shower is About to Illuminate the Night Sky

A spectacular night sky event that space pundits have dubbed “the best meteor shower of the year” is just days away.

The Perseids are one of the most plentiful and brightest meteor showers, with up to 100 meteors streaking across the sky per hour, according to NASA.

They are known for leaving long wakes of light and colour behind and emitting fireballs — larger explosions of light and colour that persist longer than the typical meteor streak.

The meteor shower occurs annually and will begin on July 17 this year until August 23. 

But forecast conditions are making it difficult to view in Australia.

Here is everything you need to know.

Can you see the Perseids meteor shower in Australia?

Australians in the north will be able to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower, according to Monash University observational astronomer and associate professor Michael Brown.

“The Perseids (are) very much best seen in the northern hemisphere, because basically, roughly from the north is where the direction of the comet debris is coming from,” he said.

“So while they’re visible in the northern parts of Australia, they aren’t really visible from the southern parts of Australia.”

What is the best time to view the Perseid meteor shower?

Since the Perseids are typically best suited for the northern hemisphere, northern Australians will have to be up quite early to catch sight. 

“The hour or two before dawn is about the best time to see them,” Brown said.

“Look towards the north.”

When does the Perseids meteor shower peak?

The Perseids meteor shower will peak around August 12 or 13.

The viewing, however, may be obstructed by the almost full moon.

“During the peak of the shower, the moon is up, which is going to hinder the views as the Perseids hit, unfortunately,” Brown said.

How rare is the Perseids meteor shower?

The Perseids meteor shower occurs every year around August when the Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle.

“This is a fairly standard Perseids meteor shower,” Brown said.