Perseus Meteor Shower Observable from 11:30 PM
Expected to Continue Until Dawn
Although the heatwave continues day after day, summer nights are welcomed by astronomy enthusiasts for a reason. The Perseus meteor shower is approaching. While meteor showers also occur in November and December, it is generally more convenient to observe them in summer than in winter.
A meteor shower is an astronomical phenomenon where numerous meteors appear to fall like rain. Meteor showers occur when the Earth precisely passes through the space where a comet has passed. Debris from the comet is drawn by Earth's gravity into the atmosphere, where it glows due to friction. The Perseus meteor shower is a 'gift' left by the comet 'Swift-Tuttle (109P/Swift-Tuttle)'.
The Perseus meteor shower is named because it appears to radiate from the direction of the constellation Perseus. It can be observed annually from mid-July to the end of August.
This year, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute announced that the best time to view the 'shooting stars' left by the Perseus meteor shower is at 11:30 PM on the 12th. On this day, the half moon sets at 11 PM. The maximum number of meteors observable per hour is about 100. The opportunity to see shooting stars continues until dawn.
The observation site should be away from city lights, in a place with a dark and clear night sky, and ideally in an open area without tall buildings or mountains around. It must be completely dark. By lying down comfortably or sitting in a chair and looking up at the sky in a relaxed posture, you can enjoy the luck of encountering shooting stars.
According to the Astronomy Institute, rather than the radiant point where the meteor shower originates, meteors are more likely to be observed about 30 degrees away from the radiant point. You can think of it as broadly looking at the center of the sky.
Jung Hae-im, head of the public relations team at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, recommended that those camping outdoors during the vacation season look up at the night sky. Team leader Jung said, "If you can encounter a meteor shower while looking at the sky, it will be a great memory."
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