One of the year's most anticipated celestial events, the Perseid meteor shower, is currently underway and will reach its peak activity in the coming days. Astronomers anticipate that under optimal conditions, observers may witness up to 100 meteors per hour streaking across the night sky.
The Perseids are an annual phenomenon, occurring as Earth traverses the debris trail left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This celestial dust burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating the visible streaks of light commonly referred to as shooting stars.
NASA describes the Perseids as "swift and bright meteors" that often leave behind "long ‘wakes’ of light and color" as they pass through the atmosphere. The shower typically begins in mid-July and extends through late August.
The peak viewing period for the Perseid meteor shower is expected to occur on the night of August 12 and into the early morning hours of August 13, according to NASA. During this time, the frequency of visible meteors is projected to be at its highest.