1. The Perseids peak on the night of Aug. 11-12.
Tonight, astronomers say, up to 75 meteors per hour will flash across the sky. Though the forecast includes showers, we’ll hope for some clear night skies.
2. Best viewing time: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
That’s the darkest time of the night before the moon rises.
3. The Perseids are the most famous meteors.
Its fame comes from the fact that it reliably has the brightest and most numerous meteors. The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year from about July 23 to August 22, but tonight is the peak.
4. The meteors are left behind by a comet.
Meteors occur when Earth rushes through a stream of dust and debris left behind by a passing comet. In the case of the Perseids, it is the Swift-Tuttle Comet.
5. Put your phone away.
Avoid looking at your phone and other light sources. Look for the darkest area of the sky.