Meteor showers are celestial events during which numerous meteors, or “shooting stars,” are observed to radiate from a specific point in the sky. These phenomena occur when the Earth passes through the debris left by comets or asteroids. As the Earth orbits the Sun, it encounters these particles, which enter the atmosphere at high speeds, burning up and producing bright streaks of light. The peak of a meteor shower is often marked by the occurrence of many meteors in a short time frame, typically seen as bursts of light that can vary in brightness and color. Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to emanate, known as the “radiant.” Some well-known meteor showers include the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids, each occurring at specific times of the year. Observing meteor showers can be a popular activity for astronomers and stargazers, offering a spectacular display of natural beauty in the night sky.
Exploring the Night Skies in July: Planets, Comets, and Meteor Showers As the Earth tilts away from the Sun after the Summer Solstice, the nights gradually start to lengthen. While…