Where, when and how do you see the Perseids in the sky this summer?

When their orbit crosses Earth’s orbit, we observe these bright trails. “In good conditions and under beautiful clear skies with minimal light pollution and the absence of the Moon (depending on the year), between 80 and 100 meteors per hour can be seen during peak activity. Atmospheric average speed of 60 km/h” Futura Sciences. Also known as “fireballs,” this star shower comes from chunks of comets that are larger than typical shooting stars and cause brighter and more continuous streaks of light.

When do you see them?

The specialized site notes that “the period of the Perseids runs from July 17 to August 24, and is especially intense from August 10 to August 14.” Stillvision. according to International Meteorites 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 occur until August 16th, the sky will be very dark on the nights close to maximum, on August 12th, 13th and 14th.

Look at Perseus

These shooting stars come more or less from a point called the radiance, in the constellation of Perseus: why do we call these showers of stars the Perseids? Therefore, we must raise our eyes to this constellation, located in the northeast. But in practice, the Perseids could be very far from Perseus […] The main thing is above all to observe as much of the sky as possible,” adds Stelvision.

So it is best to sit or lie down where you can see the sky widely. If shooting stars can be seen from 10 pm, the constellation rising during the night, these luminous objects are most visible at dawn.

Avoid light pollution

To enjoy the show it is also advisable to avoid places that reflect a lot of light. Prefer a place with little light and very dark skies, if possible outside of big cities. cards Provide real-time knowledge of light pollution.