Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP) -- This weekend, the Perseid Meteor Shower will be visible leaving long wakes of light across skies of the northern hemisphere and is considered by NASA to be one of the best of the year.
The peak of the meteor shower is set for late Sunday night, Aug. 11 before dawn on Monday, Aug. 12 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) who also offered some tips for the best stargazing experience.
NASA said stargazers can see 50 to 100 100 meteors per hour during the peak with bright meteors swiftly streaking across the sky frequently leaving long "wakes" of light and color behind them which can last longer than typical meteor streaks.
Perseid meteor shower is primarily known for its fireballs according to NASA. The fireballs originate from larger particles of cometary material and are brighter than other meteors with an apparent magnitude, or brightness, level of -3. For context, the brightness of a full moon is measured at -10 apparent magnitude on average.
If you can't see the peak of the shower don't fret, the DCNR said you can still get a glimpse of the shower in the nights leading up to and after the peak.
To get the best of the natural wonder, the DCNR recommends the following:
- Find a dark area with an open sky, light pollution from buildings and streetlights creates light pollution making the shower less visible.
- No equipment is necessary, anyone hoping to get a glimpse of the shower can do so with the naked eye although binoculars can still help
- Prepare your eyes for looking at the dark night sky for about 20 minutes so they're properly adjusted.
- Use a red light to get see around you so you don't spoil the adjustment your eyes made for the night sky
- Bring something comfy to sit in and something warm to wear if it's cold that night
- Get a stargazing resource or attend a stargazing event to help identify features in the night sky