The Perseids Meteor Shower 2019
The Perseid Meteor Shower runs from July 17–August 24.
It peaks in the early morning between Saturday August 12 – Sunday August 13 AEST, with the absolute peak of the shower at 6am Sydney time on the 12th.
They are called Perseids since the radiant (the area of the sky where the meteors seem to originate) is located near the prominent constellation of Perseus the hero when at maximum activity.
For most of Australia the radiant of the Perseids Meteor show is below the horizon.
However, some meteors will hit the atmosphere above parts of Australia.
Here’s where to look:
“Only the very occasional meteor will be seen shooting up from the northern horizon. Only observers in northern Australia (at the latitude of Brisbane or further north) will have decent rates,” according to Astro Blog
There will be over 150 shooting stars per hour for those north of Brisbane, those south, in Sydney will see less but still you’ll get a good amount of meteors if you’re away from city light.
To see the meteors, you will need to be up from around 3:00 am Sydney time on the 12th, 13th or 14th, with best views 4:00 am-5:30 am on the 13th.
The meteor shower will be located due North, with the radiant just above the northern horizon (see charts above).
You’ll need to be awake early and also be able to adjust your eyes, so stay off your smartphone if you want to see anything.
There’s also an issue with the full moon. NASA experts say the Perseids meteor shower will coincide with the moon.
“Unfortunately, the moon will be very close to full on the night of the peak, which will wash out the fainter Perseids,” Bill Cooke from NASA told Space.com.
“The Perseids are rich in fireballs, so you’ll still see Perseids; you just won’t see the show you’ve seen on nights when the moon has not been around.”
“It won’t be a total wash-out, because the Perseids are rich in bright meteors, but the moonlight is going to spoil most of the show,” he added.
Here’s more from AstroBlog
More from Space.com
Visualisation of the Perseids Meteor Shower as it arrives on Earth.
Source: https://www.imo.net/resources/calendar/#Southern+delta+Aquariids
Watch Live Meteor Shower : Perseids 2019 live stream from North America and Europe.
Earlier Story:
How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Australia. & Perseid Meteor Shower 2019
Instagram Images: The Perseids