The largest object which is known to repeatedly pass by Earth is the Comet Swift-Tuttle. Its nucleus has been measured to be about 16 miles (26 Kms) wide and the last time it passed around the earth was in 1992. The next time it is calculated to pass us is in the year 2026.
But this year, on the 12th of August, it shall again pass by earth and as we pass through the celestial dust and debris left behind, creating a spectacular show known as the Perseid meteor shower.
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As per information on space.com
the shower’s actual peak will be recorded around 1 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 12. The night before and the night after the peak shower is expected to have good rates.
Though this shower is known to 'shower' 80 to a 100 flares an hour as the debris hits our atmosphere, this year due to the position and brightness of the moon during this time, only 40 to 50 flares are expected to be seen.
The phenomena will be seen from most places around earth but the best viewing shall be available in the Northern Hemisphere and down to the mid-southern latitudes.
So if you are a space lover and would want to watch out for the show, then you may consider this tip
A skywatcher is advised to go to a dark area and sit outside for a few hours. It may take around 30 minutes for the eyes to adjust to the dark. A rate of 150 meteors per hour means a sight of at least two to three meteors per minute.
- https://www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html
- https://blogs.nasa.gov/Watch_the_Skies/2017/08/03/the-greatest-meteor-show-of-all-time/
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/science/2017/08/04/perseid-meteor-shower-2017-everything-you-need-know/540410001/
- http://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/science/perseid-meteor-shower-2017-know-what-it-is-when-where-and-how-to-see-it-all-you-need-to-know/796854/
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