The Perseid meteor shower, which lights up the summer night sky, will reach its peak from the night of August 12. This year, the peak coincides with a new moon, providing some of the best viewing conditions in recent years.
According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the calculated peak time for the Perseid meteor shower is at noon on August 13. While this peak will not be visible in South Korea due to daytime, the early mornings of August 13 and 14, when there is no moonlight, will be favorable for observation. NASA has also indicated that the main viewing times will be from the night of August 12 into the early hours of August 13.
The International Meteor Organization (IMO) estimates that the maximum number of meteors visible per hour (ZHR) during this year's Perseid shower could reach 100. However, this figure assumes ideal conditions with a high radiant point and minimal surrounding light. In typical dark suburban areas, the actual number observed may range from 30 to 50 meteors per hour.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the debris and small particles left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. It is active from mid-July to late August, with the highest number of meteors observed in mid-August.
No special telescope is required for viewing. It is recommended to find a location with minimal city lights and an unobstructed view of the sky, rather than focusing on specific constellations. Avoiding bright screens, such as those on mobile phones, and allowing time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness can also enhance the experience.
This year, the meteor shower coincides with a total solar eclipse. On August 12, the eclipse will be visible in northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, but it will not be observable in South Korea. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute noted that a total solar eclipse will occur at 2:04 AM on August 13, local time.
Notably, this year's Perseid meteor shower contrasts with last year's event, when a bright moon obscured the faint meteors. This year, the new moon will significantly reduce moonlight interference.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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