Newsroom
Stargazers are in for a treat this weekend, as tiny space debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle will put on a spectacular show known as Perseids under very favourable moonless conditions this year.
The Perseids have been active since mid-July, as Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle from July 17 through August 24.
But the show will be most spectacular in brightness and in volume on the weekend of August 11-13, Saturday and Sunday after midnight.
The show will be most spectacular in brightness and volume Saturday and Sunday after midnight
This is because the shower's peak, when Earth passes through the densest and dustiest area of the debris path, falls on August 12.
Many skywatchers could expect to be able to spot up to 60 even 70 meteoroids, commonly known as shooting stars.
The Perseids can be seen with a naked eye anywhere in the dark sky, while better visibility depends on having some distance from city lights, such as watching from the mountains or by the seaside or an area where artificial lights are turned off.
Those looking for an extra show should also be able to see Mars until about 4am and Saturn until about 2am, while Venus and Jupiter, both set before the Perseids, are best viewed at 9:30pm and 11pm respectively.
