2023 is a special year for the Perseid meteor shower. Unlike last year when a full moon hampered the show, this year, a nearly new moon will allow it to shine to its full potential.
The Perseid meteor shower is a consistent meteor producer. It’s caused by a stream of dust left by comet 109P-Swift/Tuttle. 109P is a particularly large comet with a diameter of 16 miles, so it leaves quite a stream of dust in its wake when it visits the inner solar system every 133 years.
In a normal, moonless year like this year, you can expect to see 60-80 meteors per hour in dark skies. In addition, the Perseids are well known for their fireballs.
These bright meteors will easily outshine the full moon on a bad year, but on a good year like this, they are even more phenomenal. I have seen them bright enough to light up the landscape like a lightning flash. They are often colorful, too, adding to the effect.
When and where to see them
The shower will peak Saturday and Sunday mornings, August 12 and 13, when the constellation Perseus is high in the sky, but meteors are possible all night.
You can see the meteors in any direction, with the most visible in the eastern sky where Perseus will be rising.
The meteors will appear to “radiate” from the constellation, meaning if you trace their paths back, they will converge there.
So, take advantage of these warm summer mornings to take in what is sure to be the best meteor shower of the year and a great showing for the Perseids.
