To the meteor showers occur several times a year and have peaks that allow “shooting stars” — formed by extremely hot rocks falling towards Earth — are visible to the naked eye .
Normally, these phenomena do not require any equipment such as a telescope or binoculars, but it is important to note that visibility of the sky can be compromised even if the Moon is full or almost full, depending on the time of the month. To facilitate viewing, it is recommended that you stay in very dark places.
THE American Meteor Society (AMS) specifies, as the peak date of each meteor shower approaches, the approximate time at which the phenomenon will be visible and how it will be best to find them in the sky.
See which meteor showers will happen in 2024
- October 20-21: Orionids
- November 4-5: Southern Taurids
- November 11-12: Northern Taurids
- November 17-18: Leonidas
- December 13-14: Geminids
- December 21-22: Ursids
What is a meteor shower?
According to NASA, a meteor shower is a phenomenon in which many meteors enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The agency explains that as the space rock falls towards Earth, the air resistance on the rock makes it extremely hot, and we see a “shooting star”.
“This bright streak is not actually a rock, but rather the glowing hot air as the hot rock passes through the atmosphere,” the US space agency explains.
This happens quite frequently because as a comet approaches the Sun, part of its icy surface evaporates, releasing particles of dust and rock, which are debris scattered along its path.
“Several times a year, as the Earth makes its journey around the Sun, its orbit crosses the orbit of a comet, which means that the Earth slams into a pile of comet debris.
How to observe a meteor shower?
Meteor showers need to be viewed in very dark places.
Normally, these phenomena do not require any equipment such as a telescope or binoculars, but it is important to note that visibility of the sky can be compromised even if the moon is full or almost full, depending on the time of the month.
Tips for better observing a meteor shower:
According to Time And Date, all you need is a clear, cloudless sky and a lot of patience. And, of course, you need to know if you’re looking at the right place in the sky — the site’s interactive map can help with that.
- Find a secluded observation spot away from city lights. Once there, it may take your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
- Take a blanket if it is cold in the area or a comfortable chair with you, as meteor watching involves waiting time.
- Once you’ve found your viewing spot, lie down on the ground and look up at the sky. An interactive map should help you find the direction of the radiant. The higher the radiant is above the horizon, the more meteors you’re likely to see.
- Meteor showers usually originate from the point where the radiant is located, but they can be seen anywhere in the sky.
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This content was originally published in Which meteor showers will still happen in 2024? See the calendar on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
