Shooting stars are coming – in the form of the Perseid meteor shower, a naturally occurring light show that takes place every summer between July 17th and August 24th.
This year’s extraterrestrial fireworks will peak between the evenings Wednesday through Friday of this week – August 11th, 12th and 13th.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
Also known as “the Perseids,” the Perseids meteor shower is an annual event loved by many for its typically large number of falling stars. This particular meteor shower is caused by the earth going through debris dropped by Comet 109P / Swift-Tuttle.
According to Stardate.org:
“Most meteor showers are created by comets. When a comet orbits the sun, it drops an icy, dusty stream of debris along its orbit. As the earth moves through that stream, we will see a meteor shower. Although the meteors can appear anywhere in the sky If you follow their paths, the meteors seem to “rain” into the sky from the same region in every shower.
Meteor showers are named for the constellation that coincides with this region in the sky, a point known as the radian. For example, the radian for the Leonid meteor shower is in the constellation Leo. The Perseids meteor shower is so named because meteors appear to be falling from a point in the constellation Perseus. “
The Perseids are considered by many to be the most popular and popular meteor shower of the year.
How the moon affects the Perseid meteor shower
The visibility of the Perseids varies each year depending on the amount of moonlight, which coincides with its peak, which depends on the phase of the moon at the time of the Perseids flight.
In 2021, the moon will be the waxing crescent moon from August 11th to 13th as the Perseid peak.
Even if this year, like most, may not be as spectacular as 2016, an “eruption year” with a rate of 150-200 meteors per hour – twice as many meteors as a typical Persian shower – attentive sky watchers can expect them it will see up to 60 meteors per hour during this year’s peak.
So at least there is …
Check out this stunning 2016 time-lapse video of the Perseids captured over the Cleveland National Forest in Mount Laguna, California, specifically the “epic fireball” at 12:41 am.
When and where the Perseids can be seen in August 2021
The Perseid meteor shower can be best seen by those located in the northern hemisphere and up to the mid-southern latitudes.
If you’re looking for the best time and place to sit down on a picnic blanket with hot chocolate to look at, here are some tips to help you.
1. The best time to watch the Perseids fly by is from midnight until dawn.
However, if you want to catch an earth eater – “meteors that slide across the earth’s atmosphere like a stone bouncing over the surface of a pond” – you should also watch the sky on the northern horizon in the early evening hours after sunset.
2. Find a dark, comfortable place to sit patiently with a wide view of the night sky.
Make sure all the lights are off and that you are as far away from the city lights as possible. No special equipment is required.
3. Allow at least 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
The longer you wait, the more falling stars you are likely to see. Try to give yourself at least an hour.
Look up and north as you look, or if you are anywhere in the southern part of the world look up and then north-east.
4. Relax and enjoy the show!
And if you can’t see the meteor shower from your location, you can watch this live stream:
What the Perseid meteor shower means in astrology
These Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, the figure from Greek mythology who killed Medusa and used her severed head to save Andromeda from a sea monster.
Elocin Rose explains, “Astrologically, this event is an annual reminder to face conflict face to face in our personal lives – as well as in the larger contexts of our families, friends, communities and of course the world. Acknowledging that deeply ingrained societal problems can be just as harmful how to actually be the oppressor. Stand up for what you think is right. It’s okay to start small and focus on what’s in your place of control. But that’s supposed to be easy – a start point. Go bigger. “
How to wish for a shooting star and a manifesto during the Perseids
The desire for a shooting star is always a special occasion, and the Perseids present us with several manifestations.
1. Prepare by deciding what you want to manifest.
The day you plan to go star gazing, take some time to sit in a quiet place and think about the change you want to manifest in your life.
2. Write or say your desired wish / manifestation as if it were already your reality.
When you have decided what to manifest, speak (loudly or softly) or write down your manifestation in the form of an acknowledgment with gratitude. Make sure that you formulate your desired goal as if it was already your reality and stick with that thought until you feel emotions and sensations as if it happened.
For example, if you wanted to meet your soul mate, you could say or write, “I’m so happy and grateful now that I finally found my soul mate and they found me.”
3. When you see a falling star go by, express your wish and confirm.
As soon as you see a shooter star, close your eyes and say (again to yourself or out loud) your previously chosen affirmation.
If you want, you can start with this old favorite first: “Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight: I wish I could, I wish I could have this wish that I wish for tonight.”
4. Believe that your manifestation is true, give thanks to the universe … and let go of it.
Let your feelings of gratitude sink in while you enjoy the rest of the heavenly light show.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Sign up for YourTango’s now Trending articles, above expert advice and personal horoscopes Delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
Astrologer Larry Schwinner says: “This cosmic event is likely to affect you in invisible but mystical ways and bring unexpected events into your life. Even if your life is embroiled in confusion, chaos or turmoil, let the light of the Perseids illuminate your path and guide you in a new direction when you need it most.When you look up to the sky, ask yourself: are there changes that you would like to see, that would make your life happier?
“This cosmic event can only be the catalyst to change your life and to move you to take constructive measures and to realize your goals. There are a number of positive changes that often occur after this amazing meteor shower. It is time you were likely to be inspired to come up with an innovative solution to a troubling problem.
The possibilities for magical transformation in any area of your life are endless … “
Upcoming meteor showers in 2021
Fortunately, the Perseids won’t be your last star-gazing opportunity this year.
We still have these meteor showers:
The Draconids: In the evening and after dark on October 8th.
The Orionids: Before sunrise on October 21st.
The South Taurids: From late night on November 4th until dawn on November 5th.
The Northern Taurids: From the late night of November 11th to dawn on November 12th.
The Leonids: Before sunrise on November 17th
The Geminids: From the middle of the evening to the crack of dawn on April 13-14. December.
The Ursids: Before sunrise on December 22nd.
More for you on YourTango:
Assistant Editor Arianna Jeret, MA / MSW, has been featured on Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, Yahoo Style, MSN, Fox News, Bustle, Parents, and others. Find her on Twitter and Instagram for more.