The annual Perseids meteor shower will reach its peak activity on Sunday, Aug. 13, with as many as 150 meteors an hour under clear skies, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its August astronomical diary.
PAGASA said the Perseids, which is known as “one of the most anticipated annual meteor showers,” is active from July 17 to Aug. 24.
“The shower will be visible once Perseus, the shower radiant, rises in the northeastern sky around midnight until just before sunrise. The number of visible meteors increases as the radiant reaches the highest point in the sky, right after dawn, and will be best observed just before sunrise,” it pointed out.
The waning crescent moon's minimal interference could make the astronomical event remarkable.
According to PAGASA, meteor showers can be seen with the naked eye and do not require any special equipment such as telescopes or binoculars.
However, it recommended a dark location away from city lights with a clear sky and no moon to maximize the viewing experience.
κ-Cygnids meteor shower
Another meteor shower observable this month is the κ-Cygnids.
PAGASA said the meteor shower is active from Aug. 3 to 25, with peak activity on Aug. 18.
“During its peak, κ-Cygnids is expected to produce three meteors per hour. The shower’s radiant, Draco, is already observable after sunset until it sets on the horizon at around 5 a.m.,” PAGASA said.
“It will be best observed around 9 p.m., when the radiant is at its highest position in the sky. The shower will peak close to the new moon, presenting minimal interference from the moonlight,” it added.
