Photo Credit: Indiatimes, Representative Image

For all space lovers, astronomers have confirmed that Perseid Meteor Shower 2017 will be at its peak on the night of August 12. Perseids is a meteor shower. According to Space.com, typical rates are about 80 meteors an hour, but in outburst years (such as in 2016), the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour.

What causes the Perseids?

The Comet Swift-Tuttle passes through the Earth with a nucleus of 26 kilometres. It crossed the earth last in 1992 and will occur next in 2126. But dust and debris pass through the Earth every year, creating the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Actually, the shower visible from the Earth will be the heated debris from the Comet Swift Tuttle as they enter the atmosphere. This debris in space is called Meteoroids. After entering the Earth’s atmosphere, they are known as Meteors, and if a piece makes its way to the Earth without burning, it is termed as a meteorite.

When and where can you see them?

The Earth will pass through the path of the Comet from July 17 to August 24 while most of the Meteors being within the vicinity on the night of August 12, the time when Earth will pass through the dustiest area. The moon will definitely cause some interference as it will be three-quarter full, but residents of the Northern hemisphere and mid-southern latitudes will have a greater chance of catching the live Perseid Meteor Shower 2017. The sky watchers are advised to sit in a dark area and provide time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and enjoy this magnificent show.