As we approach mid-August, stargazers will be treated to the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Known popularly as the “night of falling stars,” this annual event will be most visible during the nights surrounding August 12th. Additionally, the Delta Aquariids will reach their peak on July 31st.
Warm summer evenings provide the perfect opportunity to spend late hours under the open sky. One of the highlights of the summer night sky is the sight of meteors, commonly referred to as shooting stars. These meteors are actually the bright trails created when cosmic debris burns up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere. While most of these fragments vaporize, larger ones can reach the Earth’s surface as meteorites.
Meteors can be seen throughout the year, either sporadically or as part of specific meteor showers. These showers occur annually when Earth passes through streams of debris left by comets. One of the most active meteor showers is the Perseids, whose activity spans from July 17th to August 24th, with a peak usually occurring around August 12th-13th. This year, the American Astronomical Society predicts the peak to be around 4 PM Polish time on August 12th.
During the Perseid peak, astronomy enthusiasts across Poland organize star-gazing picnics, often referred to as “nights of falling stars.” This year, these events are expected to be especially popular over the weekend of August 10th-11th. Details of these events will be announced soon by various planetariums and astronomy organizations, so keep an eye on local media for updates.
The Perseids, known since ancient times, are renowned for their speed and bright trails, which can linger momentarily. These meteors travel at 59 km/s and can appear in bursts of 6-15 meteors every few minutes. At their peak, ideal conditions can produce up to 100 meteors per hour.
The Perseid meteors originate from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. Discovered in 1862 by American astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, it was observed again in 1922 and is expected to be visible to the naked eye in 2126. The comet’s nucleus measures about 26 km in diameter and crosses Earth’s orbit, though future passes are predicted to be at safe distances.
In addition to the Perseids, other meteor showers are currently active. The Southern Delta Aquariids, peaking on July 31st, can produce up to 25 meteors per hour, while the Alpha Capricornids, Eta Eridanids, and several other weaker showers are also visible.
For a complete list of meteor showers, visit the International Meteor Organization’s website or consult the free “Astronomical Almanac for 2024” published by the Polish Astronomical Society.
No special equipment is needed to enjoy meteor showers—just find a dark, clear sky. The darker the surroundings, the more meteors you’ll see, so try to avoid light-polluted areas. During the Perseid peak, the moon will set before 10 PM, ensuring its light won’t interfere with viewing later in the night.
Prepare for a mesmerizing display and happy stargazing!