The 2021 Perseid meteor shower is active now: How to watch the amazing show

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The Perseid meteor crosses the sky in 2016.

NASA / Bill Ingalls

One of the solar system’s best celestial shows got into action with the annual Perseid meteor shower. We can thank the Great Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle for the tiny bits of space debris that hit Earth’s atmosphere and turned into the distinctive “falling stars” of the meteor shower.

According to NASA, the Perseids will be active between now and August 24, with the peak arriving in mid-August. The space agency says it is “considered the best meteor shower of the year.”

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Perseids are known for their reliability and the potential for amazing fireballs. “The Perseid showers are one of the heaviest (50 to 100 meteors seen per hour) and occur with warm summer weather at night, allowing sky watchers to easily view them,” NASA said in an explanation of Perseids directed to the northern hemisphere.

Fireballs occur when larger pieces of comet debris hit the atmosphere, resulting in long, bright streaks, the kind that make you say “Stop!” Are you ready for the excitement? Check out these photos from last year’s shower:

2020 Perseid meteor shower photos shine bright in a dark year See all photos Capture a rising star

At its simplest, watching a meteor shower is just getting out at night and looking up, but there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting a good view. You are lucky if you get up very early. The pre-dawn hours are a prime viewing time, but NASA also says you can see meteors as early as 10 p.m. local time.

Cloudy weather and light pollution are two of the biggest barriers to a good meteor view. Aim for a clear night and try to stay away from the city lights. A swing, blanket or reclining chair will save you from lifting your neck. Give your eyes plenty of time to adjust to the darkness.

You can spot meteors anywhere in the sky, although they got their name because they appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. To find Perseus, check out the star app that will help you locate the constellation. The Perseus is not the actual source of the shower, but it can be useful for tracking down the sometimes evasive streaks of light.

You don’t have to wait for the mid-August peak to enjoy the action. A dark spot on a clear night can provide a worthwhile viewing experience throughout the Perseids visit. Catch those towering stars while you can.

Follow CNET’s Space Calendar 2021 to stay up-to-date with the latest space news this year. You can even add it to your Google Calendar.

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