The most anticipated meteor shower of the year is set to peak soon, giving stargazers an opportunity to experience the beautiful display, according to NASA,
Will it be visible in Illinois? Here’s how local skywatchers can try to catch a glimpse.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
Perseids is the most popular meteor shower, peaking on warm August nights, according to the American Meteor Society. Particles are released from a comet named 109P/Swift-Tuttle as it returns to the inner solar system. The name “Perseid” comes from Perseus, the constellation near where the meteors appear to originate at maximum activity.
When is the Perseid meteor shower?
The meteor shower is currently active, lasting from July 17 to Aug. 24, according to the American Meteor Society.
When’s the best time to view the Perseid meteor shower?
The meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug. 13, according to the AMS.
Where to get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower in Illinois
Viewing conditions will be ideal this year because of the dark new moon during the peak, according to the AMS.
For the best chance of spotting shooting stars, head outside in the early pre-dawn hours, when the shower’s radiant (the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge) reaches its highest position above the horizon, making meteors easier to view. Under dark rural skies, observers could see about 30 to 50 shooting stars per hour.
Rural Illinois residents can head to local campgrounds and parks to get the best view of the celestial event, while those in Chicago might want to move to the city’s lakefront.
Will skies be clear in Illinois?
Spotting the meteor shower in Illinois may prove difficult with the stormy forecast lasting through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Central Illinois will see a chance of showers and thunderstorms with increasing clouds and a low around 71 degrees Wednesday night. Showers are likely after 4 a.m. CT with new possible rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch.
Weather will be similar in Chicago, with a 50% chance of showers mainly between 2-5 a.m. CT and increasing clouds. The low will dip to around 69 degrees, according to the NWS.
Tips to get the best views of Perseids
Follow these tips on how to catch the best views of a meteor shower, according to EarthSky:
Chicago storm radar
Central Illinois storm radar
When is the August full moon?
The August full moon, nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, will rise over Illinois on Thursday, Aug. 27, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s set to peak locally at 11:18 p.m. CT.
CONTRIBUTING: John Tufts and Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Most popular summer meteor shower peaks tonight. Catch it in Illinois
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Janet Loehrke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall and Janet Loehrke, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
