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It’s that time again! Perseid meteor shower to peak weekend of Aug 13, 14

This is usually one of the more exciting meteor showers each year for sky-watchers!

A shower of Perseid meteors lights up the sky in 2009 in this NASA time-lapse image. (NASA/JPL)

ROANOKE, Va. – Perseid meteors can be seen any time from late July through late August, but peak activity usually comes around Aug. 11-13.

In 2022, the peak time is Saturday night, August 13 into Sunday morning, August 14.

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In some more active years, we can see 50-100 meteors per hour. Moonlight this year may dim a few of those out.

You may want to consider getting into a position where a house, barn, shed, trees or hills are in between you and the moon. That will help to create a “darker sky” for you.

You may see a few as soon as 10 p.m., but you really want to wait until after midnight when it gets darker and the radiant point rises. Start by looking to the northeast, and allow your eyes some time to adjust.

According to NASA, the Perseid meteor shower is known for its fireballs. These occur due to larger particles from leftover comets or bits of asteroids and are much brighter and longer than your average meteor. When the earth passes through these debris trails, meteor showers occur.

If you take photos of any shooting stars, send them to Pin It.

Your Local Weather Authority will let you know if the weather will cooperate with peak viewing times.


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