DAEJEON, Aug. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – Stargazers in South Korea are in for a celestial treat as the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year’s most spectacular astronomical events, reaches its peak tonight.
According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) and the International Meteor Organization (IMO), the shower will hit its maximum at 11:30 p.m. on August 12. Viewing conditions are expected to be ideal, with the moon setting around 11 p.m., leaving dark skies for optimal observation.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet. As these cosmic dust particles collide with our atmosphere and burn up, they create streaks of light across the night sky, appearing like a rain of “shooting stars.”
Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate, this annual event is visible from mid-July to late August. This year, under perfect sky conditions, observers could potentially see up to 100 meteors per hour at the shower’s peak, according to KASI. However, light pollution and air quality in urban areas typically reduce this number significantly.
For the best viewing experience, astronomers recommend finding a dark location away from city lights, preferably with an unobstructed view of the sky. Contrary to popular belief, focusing directly on the radiant point isn’t necessary.
“You’re more likely to see longer meteor trails about 30 degrees away from the radiant,” a KASI spokesperson explained. “Generally, it’s best to look at the zenith, the point directly overhead, with a wide field of view.”
While the peak will occur on the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13, the Perseids can be observed for several days around this date, particularly in the pre-dawn hours.
Image credit: the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) / photonews@koreabizwire.com
