Perseid meteor shower 2024
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual astronomical phenomenon, which peaks in mid-August. This breathtaking phenomenon is caused by dust particles from comet Swift-Tuttle, which leaves behind a trail of debris, as it moves along its orbit around the Sun. When the Earth passes through this region, particles enter our atmosphere at high speed and burn up, thereby creating light trails known as meteors or shooting stars.
The Perseids are one of the most famous and reliable meteor showers. They got their name from the constellation Perseus, from which they seem to emanate. The swarm is active from mid-July to the end of August, while it reaches the highest intensity between 11. a 13. in August. During this time we can see up to 60 to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
Observing the Perseids is a popular activity for amateur astronomers and families alike. No special equipment is needed to monitor them; a clear sky and a dark place away from city lights are enough. It is best to watch the sky after midnight, when it is radiant, that, from which meteors emanate, high in the sky.
In addition to their aesthetic value, the Perseids also have scientific significance. The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers among radio amateurs for meteor scatter which can be linked with AirScout and operability. They stand out with their excellent properties, such as the minimum number of small particles, high intensity and speed of particle movement. Mask, they are also popular thanks to the favorable time of year, making them the perfect time for meteor scatter expeditions.
Perseidy 2024 – deadline
This year, this popular meteor shower is visible in the local night sky from 17. July and will be visible until 24. augusta. However, the expected maximum will occur 12. augusta 2024. Of course, daytime observation of the Perseids is not possible, but increased swarm activity is about maximal for several days. In some years, a secondary maximum with a time interval of several hours was also observed (for example in the year 2008 was the gap between the maxima 20 hours). The number of bounces changes every year, there are often more than 80, some years it reaches a value of 200. Every year, a large number of stations from all over Europe are active during the Perseids. The best times for JZ-SV connections 07-12 UTC, in the V-Z direction 12-20 UTC a JV-SZ 20-02.
Visual observation of the meteor shower
Observing the Perseids is a fascinating experience for both astronomers and amateur observers. It is recommended to find a dark place away from city lights, so you can better see their flashes. Warm summer nights make watching even more enjoyable.
It is important to know, that you don't need any special equipment to observe meteor showers. All you need is suitable clothes and patience. The Perseids offer an exciting view of the night sky, which reminds us of the beauty and secrets of the universe. Therefore, do not miss this unique opportunity and enjoy this fascinating theater in the night sky!
