In the early hours of Sunday, the annual Perseid meteor shower will reach its maximum. According to the Association of Star Friends (VdS), there are particularly favorable conditions for observation this year, as there is no disturbing influence from a bright moon. A few shooting stars have already been seen in the past few nights.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), however, changeable weather could restrict visibility at the maximum of the spectacle on Sunday morning. “A few clouds will pass over Germany,” says DWD meteorologist Marcel Schmid. If you’re lucky, you can catch a few gaps in the clouds. According to the DWD, the chances should be a little better on the night of this Saturday.
Best time for observing on Sunday
Astronomer Carolin Liefke from the VdS recommends skygazers to avoid bright surroundings and to avoid higher locations. The best time for observing the Perseids is around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, when the stream is at its peak.
However, according to Liefke, the Perseids can also be observed in the evening sky, albeit presumably in smaller numbers. The ideal observation situation is a clear all-round view away from light pollution and human settlements. “The ideal observation site is therefore generally far away from the cities,” emphasizes Liefke.
Numerous shooting stars also on Monday
The Perseids are among the best-known meteor showers. They are named for the constellation Perseus from which they appear to come. Their real cause is that the Earth crosses the orbit of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle on its orbit around the Sun and encounters the particles it scatters. These then burn up as luminous shooting stars as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
“In reality, you don’t see the particles themselves, but the air around them, which is heated up by friction and begins to glow when the particles are slowed down as they fall through the earth’s atmosphere,” explains Liefke.
If you missed the maximum, you can still see the Perseids later. According to the VdS, numerous shooting stars can also be expected on Monday night. You can also try your luck in the days that follow.
