Meteor Shower Perseid to Peak August 12-13, 2015

Be sure to keep an eye to the night sky this week, as the Perseid meteor shower makes its annual appearance. Perseid is a popular celestial event because of how bright the actual shower is, and this trait is going to be highlighted even more from August 12 – 13, when the shower is expected to peak: this Perseid is happening just one night before a new moon. This is particularly good news for stargazers, as the night sky will essentially be devoid of moonlight, making 2015’s Perseid brighter than it has been in years. Many of Perseid’s meteors leave trains, making this week an excellent opportunity to gather the family and gaze up in unison, and will be a great event to get kids interested in the workings of the greater universe. The shower is expected to be bright enough to easily see with the naked eye, so additional equipment isn’t necessary, though it can never hurt to head out into the country if you live in an exceptionally well-lit area. While the shower is expected to peak throughout August 12 – 13 in general, it is recommended that viewers watch for as long as possible: the brightest meteors often show up late, sometimes well past midnight. Prospective stargazers should seize every opportunity to see this celestial event, as the next comparable meteor shower is December’s Geminids!