What is the Perseid Meteor Shower? | Perseids 2020

The Perseid Meteor Shower is a spectacular annual celestial event that occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As the Earth moves through this debris field, the tiny particles and fragments from the comet's tail enter our atmosphere and burn up upon contact, creating bright streaks of light in the night sky known as meteors or "shooting stars."

The Perseid Meteor Shower is named after the constellation Perseus, from which these meteors appear to originate. However, you don't need to know the constellations to enjoy the show. The meteors can be seen streaking across various parts of the night sky, often leaving persistent trails and sometimes even brighter fireballs.

The shower typically occurs annually from late July to mid-August, with its peak activity usually happening around August 11th to 13th. During this peak period, you can observe an increased number of meteors per hour, sometimes reaching up to 60 or more, under optimal viewing conditions.

To fully enjoy the Perseid Meteor Shower, find a location away from city lights, preferably in a dark rural area, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Lie down on a comfortable surface and look up at the night sky. The meteors can appear in any part of the sky, so scanning the entire dome above you will increase your chances of catching them.

The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers due to their consistently high activity and the warm summer nights when they occur. They provide a stunning visual spectacle and a great opportunity for both amateur and experienced astronomers to witness a cosmic phenomenon.

(Note: The description provided is for the Perseid Meteor Shower in general. For specific information about the Perseids in 2020, you may need to refer to sources from that year, )