Perseid Meteor Shower 2015: How, When to Best Watch One of the Best Shows Nature Has to Offer
ByThe Perseids meteor shower has been on about a month now, but the fantastic stellar show has yet to hit its peak, though that is about to change.
According to NASA, the Perseids have been active since July 13 and will continue through Aug. 26. However, the space agency stated the meteor shower will peak on Aug. 12 and 13.
On these days, there will be as many as 100 meteors in the sky per hour, making for one of the most active of the year. In fact, NASA stated one should make either the Perseids or Geminids, which occurs in Dec., a priority "if you see one meteor shower this year."
The Perseids are also coming at time when the Earth will get a new moon, which CNN pointed out will result in a clear sky optimized for watching a meteor shower.
The best time to watch the bits of Comet 109/Swift-Tuttle's tail tear through the sky will be after midnight, CNN reported. The most activity will likely be just before dawn, and the best thing about the Perseids is that no telescope will be required.
In fact, NASA recommends not even bringing a telescope or a pair of binoculars at all.
"Using either reduces the amount of sky you can see at one time, lowering the odds that you'll see anything but darkness. Instead, let your eyes hang loose and don't look in any one specific spot," read NASA's statement. "Relaxed eyes will quickly zone in on any movement up above, and you'll be able to spot more meteors. Avoid looking at your cell phone or any other light. Both destroy night vision. If you have to look at something on Earth, use a red light. Some flashlights have handy interchangeable filters. If you don't have one of those, you can always paint the clear filter with red fingernail polish."