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The Perseid Meteor Shower will soon be visible

  • The Perseid meteor shower will peak around August 13.
  • Perseid Meteor Shower Phenomenon Origin: The Perseid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which consists of ice, rock, and dust.
  • Orbital specifics: This comet, which has an orbital period of 133 years, last lighted the skies in 1992 and will not pass close to Earth until 2125, according to NASA.
  • Comet Swift-Tuttle was discovered in 1862 by astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, establishing the groundwork for understanding this cosmic spectacle.

Its occurrence

  • Annual Event: The Perseids meteor shower, a time-honored spectacle, reaches its peak in mid-August, enchanting both astronomers and laypeople with its celestial display.
  • The Perseids meteor shower occurs as our planet encounters the path of cosmic leftovers let loose by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This cosmic cloud is around 27 km across.
  • Stunning Cascade: As Earth collides with these debris, a beautiful scene unfolds within the cosmic choreography. During the peak, between 160 and 200 meteors race through the atmosphere per hour, leaving a brilliant trail of splendour in their wake.
  • Speed and splendour: Travelling at a dizzying 214,000 km/h, these meteors spark a spectacular spectacle as they disintegrate about 100 km above the Earth’s surface.

What are Meteoric Showers?

  • Meteors, rock and ice pieces, are ejected from comets during their astronomical orbits around the sun. As they fall, these space pebbles are heated by the Earth’s atmosphere, producing bright streaks of gas in their wake.
  • Meteor showers occur when our planet passes through the debris path left by comets or asteroids during their astronomical trip. A meteor shower is defined as a cascade of meteorites gracing the heavens at the same time.
  • Celestial Tapestry: NASA archives confirm to the existence of around 30 meteor showers per year, painting the skies with celestial splendour visible from Earth.
Source: https://www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html

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