The All Sky camera network captured over 183 multi-station Perseid meteors Saturday night. Some truly spectacular events — see images below.
The Perseids have been observed for at least 2,000 years and are associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 133 years. Each year in August, the Earth passes through a cloud of the comet’s debris. These bits of ice and dust — most over 1,000 years old — burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere to create one of the best meteor showers of the year.
Are the perseids a multi-night occurence, or is it viewable on just one night?
Hi Trisha
They are a multi-night occurrence. The peak was the night of August 11.
Thanks!
Janet Anderson
Public Affairs Specialist