Countdown to the Perseid meteor shower: 100 meteors per hour expected on the night of August 13-14

According to a report by Sözcü, the date for the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most remarkable celestial events of the year, is approaching. The event, popularly known as a "shooting star" display, will reach its peak on the night connecting August 13 to August 14.

According to information in the TÜBİTAK Turkey National Observatory 2026 Celestial Events Yearbook, the Perseid meteor shower began on July 17 and will continue until August 24. It is stated that approximately 100 meteors per hour may be visible in the sky on the night of peak activity.

PEAK NIGHT IS AUGUST 13

The Perseids are named as such because the meteors appear to radiate from the region of the Perseus constellation. The meteoroids enter Earth's atmosphere at an average speed of 60 kilometers per second, burning up due to friction and creating bright streaks of light.

One of the factors improving observation conditions this year will be the phase of the Moon. Since the Moon will be in its new moon phase on the peak night, it will not negatively affect the number of visible meteors as it will reduce brightness in the sky.

The source of the Perseids is known to be small rock and dust fragments shed by the 109P/Swift-Tuttle comet. Swift-Tuttle, which has a nucleus approximately 26 kilometers in diameter, completes its orbit around the Sun in 133 years.

During the meteor shower, it is also possible to see brighter meteors called "fireballs." These meteors can appear as larger bursts of light and can be observed for longer periods than ordinary meteor trails.

Experts recommend that those who want to watch the meteor shower choose dark areas with clear views, away from city lights. While an observation event is planned at Yeniköy Beach in Karacabey, Bursa, on the evening of August 8, night hiking and meteor observation programs are also being organized in Antalya on weekends.

News Source: 12punto