Summer is the ideal season for stargazing, perhaps because of the warmer evenings and longer days full of sunshine, which can increase your desire to stay up later.
Given the number of gleaming celestial bodies strewn across the dark black canvas above us, you can’t help but feel inspired, if not awestruck. If you’ve ever felt a sense of whimsy and excitement while gazing at the night sky, mark your calendar for a special astronomical event: the Perseids meteor shower in 2023.
Here’s what you need to know about the Perseids meteor shower and how to watch it this year.
What Is the Perseids Meteor Shower 2023?
Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere have an exciting opportunity to see the Perseid meteor shower every year, from about mid-July to mid-August. The event is named Perseid because its streams of cosmic debris appear to originate from the constellation Perseus from our vantage point on Earth. Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, was best known in Greek mythology for slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster — both impressive feats, so the name of the meteor shower is certainly appropriate.
The fascinating occurrence is caused by Earth passing through debris (basically, ice and rock) left behind by Swift-Tuttle, a comet that last passed by our planet in 1992. According to EarthSky.org, the Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular among Northern Hemisphere astronomy fans because it is so consistent and the meteors are so colorful.
The fascinating occurrence is caused by Earth passing through debris (basically, ice and rock) left behind by Swift-Tuttle, a comet that last passed by our planet in 1992. According to EarthSky.org, the Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular among Northern Hemisphere astronomy fans because it is so consistent and the meteors are so colorful.
The waning crescent, which occurs just before the new moon, is associated with increased spirituality, wisdom, and self-reflection, so setting aside time in mid-August to observe the Perseids could also be a particularly emotionally fulfilling experience.
How to Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower 2023
The Northern Hemisphere has the best chance of seeing the Perseids meteor shower. To observe, go outside in the pre-dawn hours and look up and to the north. Look to the northeast if you’re at a lower latitude.
Because the meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation Perseus, you’ll want to locate it in your night sky (perhaps using an app like Sky Guide or SkyView Lite). If you can’t find Perseus, Space.com suggests looking for Cassiopeia, which is easier to spot due to its brightness. Keep an eye out for any areas of dark sky in this general area to see the shower. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need a telescope or binoculars to see the meteors. Instead, allow yourself to look at as much of the pitch black sky as you can — and give your eyes about a half hour to adjust to the darkness.
Finally, have faith that when you finally spot the Perseids, you’ll be in for a visual treat — something ancient people considered a gift from the heavens.
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