Look Up, Maine! You Can Thank The Persied Meteor Showers For The Lightshow In The Sky This Week

For the next two nights, the U.S. will be treated to a free fireworks spectacle courtesy of Mother Nature and the Universe!

The Perseid Meteor showers will be in full swing this Tuesday and Wednesday night (August 12th and 13th.)

According to one local page, viewers can expect to a bounty of bright, beautiful meteors over the next two nights.  The trick is to make sure you're in the right spot!

"At its peak, the Perseids can produce up to 60–100 shooting stars every hour under perfect conditions. They’re born from tiny particles left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, burning up in our atmosphere and streaking across the sky in bursts of gold and white.
This year’s twist? A bright waning gibbous Moon (about 80% full) will share the sky, washing out some of the faintest meteors. But don’t worry — the Perseids are known for their brilliant fireballs that still punch through moonlight."

Another added bonus this week; the stars won't be the only heavenly bodies on display. The planets will be taking their place on the celestial stage, as well, according to the page From Quarks to Quasars.

"In the predawn hours, Jupiter and Venus will shine side-by-side in a stunning planetary conjunction. They’ll be less than 1° apart – so close they’ll almost seem to touch in the sky."

So, when and where do you want to head outside take in this "interstellar" show?

Experts say the best viewing will take place between midnight and dawn. The peak of the meteors will fall just before dawn (so maybe take a nap in the evening and go out in the early morning hours.)

You want to make your way to a dark, open spot, somewhere you won't get interference from the city lights. And make sure you face the opposite direction of the moon (northeast...face towards the direction from which the Perseus constellation rises and you should be all set.)

You can use a telescope if you want to, but this show will be big and bright enough for you to see with the naked eye.

Speaking of which, be sure to give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark.

Get comfy, and enjoy the show!