Perseid Meteor Shower to Be Visible From Antigua and Barbuda Tonight

Residents of Antigua and Barbuda could see one of the year’s most impressive meteor showers when the Perseids peak overnight Wednesday into early Thursday.

The best viewing period is expected between 2 a.m. and dawn Thursday, with the greatest opportunity to see meteors likely between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., provided skies remain clear.

Observers should find a dark location away from streetlights and initially face the northeastern sky. However, the meteors may appear anywhere overhead, so viewers are encouraged to maintain a wide view.

No binoculars or telescopes are required. Observers should also avoid looking at phone screens and allow their eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

Viewing conditions are expected to be particularly favourable because the shower coincides with a new moon, eliminating most natural light interference.

The Perseids occur annually when Earth travels through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The particles enter the atmosphere at high speed, creating bright streaks commonly described as shooting stars.

Although up to 100 meteors an hour may be recorded under ideal conditions, the number visible from Antigua and Barbuda will depend on cloud cover, light pollution and the observer’s location.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Hundreds of Shooting Stars to Be Visible From Antigua and Barbuda Tonight.