The Perseid meteor shower is currently taking over the skies of the Northern Hemisphere, and it just so happens to be one of the most dramatic displays of celestial magic that you may ever witness, annually taking over the night skies between July and August.
Whether you want to know what’s behind this magnificent force of nature or are hoping to catch it for yourself, here’s your all-encompassing guide to making the most out of this astronomical wonder if you’re in Bristol.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs as Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Small pieces of debris burn up in the atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light that we see as ‘shooting stars’. Although small in comparison to other space phenomena, it can slam into our atmosphere at speeds of between 7 – 45 miles per second, and the coinciding visuals are truly out of this world (if you’d pardon the pun).
It has been described as one of the best shooting star displays of the year, with this year’s iteration taking place from 17 July until 24 August. The meteors are set to radiate from the Perseus constellation, which rises in the northeast sky, meaning it’s mainly visible to those in the northern hemisphere.
When and where to watch in Bristol?
For Bristolians, the best time to view the Perseids is on August 12 until August 13. Described as the ‘peak time’ to view, there are still other elements that might get in the way of the stunning display, such as weather or Bristol’s light pollution. However, it’s said that there are over 150 meteors per hour around its peak, so let’s hope we get lucky this year, eh?
Of course, you can never guarantee visibility, but your best bet if you don’t wish to venture too far out is heading to Bristol’s largest green spaces. Consider heading to the Downs, Victoria Park or Troopers’ Hill.
If you’re lucky enough to have a car, head to the countryside to witness this marvel in all its glory.
The best time to see the Perseids during this exciting period is between 12:00 midnight and 5:30am, but the UK usually gets lucky and meteors are sometimes visible from sunset.
So, keep your eyes peeled on the night sky during this magical time to see the Perseid meteor shower. It’s a sight for sore eyes, and then some!