Perseid Meteor Shower Peak
About this event
The Perseid Meteor Shower is the most popular astronomical event of the summer, caused by debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle vaporizing in Earth's upper atmosphere as bright shooting stars.
Interesting facts about Perseid Meteor Shower Peak
Perseid meteoroids strike Earth's atmosphere at a blistering speed of 133,000 mph (59 km/s).
The parent comet, 109P/Swift-Tuttle, has a massive 16-mile-wide nucleus and orbits the Sun every 133 years.
All Perseid meteors appear to originate from a radiant point in the constellation Perseus.
In Catholic tradition, the shower is known as the 'Tears of Saint Lawrence', whose feast day is celebrated on August 10.
Perseids are renowned for producing bright fireballs—exceptionally luminous meteors that leave glowing smoke trails.
Common Questions & Answers
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