NASA has provided guidance for those interested in observing the meteor shower occurring this weekend.
The Perseid meteor shower is anticipated to grace the night skies over the weekend, promising a spectacular display with an estimated 50 to 75 shooting stars per hour at its peak.
While the event sounds captivating, one significant factor could hinder some people’s ability to view it properly.
NASA has cautioned about a particular issue that’s especially prevalent for those living in densely populated urban areas.
This issue is light pollution, a significant obstacle when attempting to view celestial events.
The advent of electricity has revolutionized our world, illuminating cities and creating a man-made constellation on Earth during nighttime.
From space, one can discern major geographical features like the Nile and political borders such as the stark contrast between North Korea and South Korea, and the India-Pakistan border.
However, city lights are so overpowering that they often obscure the stars, making them difficult to see.
To get the most out of the meteor shower, NASA recommends heading to a more secluded area.
In a press release, the space agency advised: “Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky.”
Utilizing dark sky parks or consulting light pollution maps can help you find the optimal spot for viewing the shower in your vicinity.
Additionally, checking the weather forecast for your chosen location is essential.
There’s little point in driving long distances only to have your plans thwarted by cloudy skies!
Another tip is to time your viewing for after the moon sets, generally around midnight, to further reduce light pollution.
For the actual viewing, you can look in almost any direction, except downward of course.
Using a telescope or binoculars is not recommended, as these can actually hinder your ability to see the meteor shower.
If you miss the peak this weekend, don’t worry. The Perseids will be visible throughout August, with the peak occurring this weekend.
It’s set to be a truly astronomical event!