2023-07-16 10:24:47
When their orbit crosses that of the Earth, we observe these luminous trails. “In good conditions, under a beautiful clear sky with a minimum of light pollution and the absence of the Moon (it depends on the year), it is possible to see, during the peak of activity, between 80 and 100 meteors per hour penetrating the atmosphere at an average speed of 60 km/h” specifies Futura Sciences. This star shower is also known for its “fireballs”, which come from pieces of comets that are larger than typical shooting stars and cause brighter and more persistent streaks of light.
When to see them?
“The Perseid period extends from July 17 to August 24, and intensifies particularly from August 10 to 14”, indicates the specialized site Stelvision. According l’International Meteor Organization, the meteor shower is expected to reach its strongest intensity on the night of August 11-12 this year. Good news, the visibility should be particularly favorable: the new moon does not take place until August 16, the sky will be very dark on the nights around the maximum, on August 12, 13 and 14.
Look to Perseus
These shooting stars come more or less from a point called the radiant, in the constellation of Perseus: reason why we call these showers of stars the Perseids. We must therefore raise our eyes to this constellation, located in the North-East. “But in practice, the Perseids can be very far from Perseus […] the main thing is above all to observe as much of the sky as possible”, adds Stelvision.
On this mid-July sky map, Persée is visible to the northeast.
Screenshot/Stelvision
It is therefore best to sit or lie down where you can have a wide view of the sky. If it is possible to see shooting stars from 10 p.m., the constellation taking height during the night, it is at dawn that these luminous objects are most visible.
Avoid light pollution
In order to enjoy the show, it is also advisable to avoid places that reflect too much light. Prefer a place with little lighting and a very dark sky, if possible outside large cities. maps provide real-time knowledge of light pollution.
In the South West, it is outside the large cities that the sky will be the blackest
Capture d’écran/Light Pollution Map
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