Perseid Meteor Shower Forecast for Columbus, Ga

COLUMBUS, Ga (WRBL)- This week, the biggest meteor shower is set to take place. The Perseid Meteor Shower is set to peak on the mornings of August 12th and August 13th.

Why are the Perseids so special? The Perseid Meteor Shower is known for its bright meteors and fireballs. The meteors produce some of the largest fireballs out of all the meteor showers. The typical Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen between 50-100 meteors per hour. This makes for one of the best shows of the year.

What can you expect this year? The American Meteor Society expected a rate of 50-75 meteors an hour; however, a recent full moon will make it more difficult to see them. We will also have passing clouds to deal with due to this tropical airmass over the southeast. Only 10-20 bright meteors may be visible per hour.

How can I see them? The Perseids are active from July 14th to September 1st, but the mornings of the 12th and 13th will be the best time to see them. Head out to see them after midnight and until dawn. Get away from city lights to make viewing them easier.

The next chance to view a meteor shower after the Perseids is the Orionids, which will peak in late October of this year.