Between Sunday and Tuesday, the most significant summer meteor shower – the Perseids – will reach its peak. This meteor shower is one of the most popular, thanks to its rich hourly rate of over 100 meteors at its apex, and because it occurs in the height of summer. This year, the peak of the Perseids will occur on Monday at 4:00 p.
m. Israel time, so the best times to view the shower will be from midnight on Sunday into Monday, as well as Monday night into Tuesday. 5 View gallery A meteor shower ( Photo: Roi Levi ) This year, the absence of the moon after midnight will enhance visibility.
However, the Perseids are a wide-ranging shower that began in late July and will continue until the last week of August. So even those who head to dark skies this upcoming weekend will be treated to a show, though after the peak days, the larger, brighter moon will make fewer meteors visible. At the same time, another shower, the Delta Aquariids (originating from the Aquarius constellation), will add a few more meteors to the experience.
When and how to watch the meteor shower For optimal viewing, find a dark location as far away from city lights as possible. In urban areas, only a few meteors might be visible, but the farther you venture from city lights, the better your chances of seeing many more meteors. Since the moon will set around midnight on the peak night, the best time to watch is after midnight.
The radiant point, where the meteors appear to originate, will rise in the northea.