What is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower, also called the Perseids, is one of the biggest and brightest meteor showers that happen every year. They are named after the Perseus constellation since they seem to come from that direction. Stargazers eagerly wait to catch a glimpse of this beautiful meteor shower.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the trail of dust left by a comet named Swift-Tuttle. This comet takes about 133 years to go around the Sun.
Where can one watch the Perseid meteor shower?
This year, the Perseid meteor shower will be the brightest on the nights of the 13th and 14th of August, 2023. Some reports say it will be visible from the 11th to the 13th of August, 2023.
People from all around India will be able to see it. To watch the meteor shower, go where there's no bright city light. The sky must also be clear. Make sure to ask your parents and have an adult with you. If you can't go out, you can watch it online on the Virtual Telescope Project's live stream.
Why do meteor showers occur?
Meteor showers happen when Earth goes through the debris left in space by celestial bodies or comets. These things leave a dusty trail while circling the Sun. Each year, Earth goes through this trail. Some of the dust hits the atmosphere around Earth and makes colourful lines in the sky.
