The Perseid meteor shower is back, captivating stargazers with its brilliance. Known for being one of the brightest and most popular meteor showers of the year, the Perseids have been ramping up since early July and will continue to light up the night sky through the end of August. The shower reaches its peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13, coinciding with a new Moon phase that will keep the skies dark and ideal for viewing.

NASA invites everyone to join in on the excitement by participating in a livestream meteor watch party starting at midnight ET on August 13. Viewers can expect live views of the skies from cameras set up at the Marshall Space Flight Center’s Automated Lunar and Meteor Observatory (ALaMO), which is celebrating 20 years of discovery this year. Throughout the night, meteor experts will engage with the audience, providing insights and answering questions about the celestial event.

The Perseid meteor shower is notable not only for its beauty but also for its historical significance, with observations dating back over 2,000 years. This annual event is particularly favored because it occurs during the warmer months, making it accessible for many to enjoy. The meteors are known for producing fireballs—exceptionally bright meteors that leave glowing trails as they streak across the sky.

Named after the constellation Perseus, from which they appear to radiate, the Perseids are steeped in Greek mythology. Perseus is the legendary warrior who defeated Medusa and rescued Princess Andromeda. However, stargazers need not focus solely on finding Perseus to enjoy the show; meteors can appear anywhere overhead.

To make the most of the Perseid meteor shower, find a location with dark skies, allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and simply look up. Patience is key as you sit back and enjoy one of the year’s premier celestial shows. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness nature’s spectacular display!