Stargazers across the country are in for a treat, with up to 20 times more shooting stars than on a typical night. The Perseids, known for their bright meteors and high frequency, are set to put on a dazzling display that will captivate both amateur astronomers and casual observers alike. The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs when Earth passes through the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
As these tiny particles, often no larger than a grain of sand, enter the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating the bright streaks of light we call meteors or shooting stars . The shower is named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. The Perseids are particularly famous for their high frequency and bright meteors, which can sometimes leave persistent trails of light that linger in the sky for several seconds.
This year, with clear skies, observers in Ireland could witness up to 100 meteors per hour at the peak of the shower. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! The Perseid meteor shower is visible in Ireland almost every year, typically peaking around mid-August. This year’s event is especially promising due to the phase of the moon.
With a new moon occurring just days before the peak, the skies will be dark, providing perfect conditions for meteor watching. For the best viewing experience, it’s recommended to find a spot away from city lights, where the sky is.