The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak Sunday night into early morning Monday. During the annual event, which runs from July 14 to Sept. 1, some stargazers can expect to see up to 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
The popular celestial event, first recorded in 36 CE by Chinese observers, gets its name because the meteors appear to stream from the constellation of Perseus. In reality, the shower occurs when the Earth passes through the debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet. As the tiny particles, often no larger than grains of sand, enter the atmosphere at speeds averaging 37 miles per second, they burn up, creating bright streaks across the sky.
This year brings favorable viewing conditions due to the moon being about 50% illuminated and setting around midnight, allowing for dark skies until dawn. The best viewing areas will be in clear, dark areas away from city lights; find a dark sky near you here.
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