Stargazers across Northern Ireland are in for a celestial treat this week as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak, with the best chance to see it expected tonight (Tuesday).
A Perseid meteor shower has been taking place over Northern Ireland for several days and will last for a few more. Each year, this dazzling natural display draws attention from amateur astronomers and casual sky-watchers alike.
During the shower, shooting stars will be visible.
Professor Alan Fitzsimmons, who is an expert in the field of asteroid and cometary science, said, “The Perseid Meteor shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of comet dust created by comet Swift-Tuttle. The small dust particles enter our atmosphere at 59 km per second, vaporising and producing the streak of light we call a meteor or shooting star.”
The Perseid meteor shower happens every August as Earth moves through the comet’s debris stream. The comet itself, Swift–Tuttle, takes 133 years to orbit the Sun and leaves behind a dense trail of dust and small fragments. When our planet passes through this trail, the results are visible from the ground in the form of bright, fast-moving meteors.
The Perseids meteor shower happens every August when Earth passes through the dust stream.
This year’s Perseids began several days ago and will continue for a few days yet. But tonight offers the best viewing conditions.
“It started several days ago and will continue for a few more days. But the best night is tonight (Tuesday) when Earth will pass closest to the centre of the stream and we’ll see more meteors,” said Professor Alan Fitzsimmons.
For those who are keen to see the meteor shower, rural areas away from city or street lights are best to get the full impact of the lights. Rural areas, open countryside, and elevated locations such as the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins, or the Causeway Coast offer the darkest skies and the clearest views.
“People should go away from streetlights and other light pollution. You are best looking out from about 10 pm until 11 pm when the Moon is well above the horizon, you might see a meteor every few minutes. After 11 o’clock, you will still see bright meteors, but fainter ones will be drowned out by Moonlight,” said Professor Fitzsimmons.
During this time, observers could expect to see a meteor every few minutes when the Moon is above the horizon but not yet bright enough to obscure many of the meteors.
No specialist equipment is required; the Perseids are best viewed with the naked eye, as meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. It is worth allowing 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before expecting to see the shower at its best.
If the skies remain clear, tonight could offer one of the most memorable astronomical sights of the year, and an opportunity for people across Northern Ireland to look up and enjoy a free, spectacular show from the universe.
Kate Harkin 
Leave a comment