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Late Sharing: Perseid Meteor

One of the highlights of my life was watching a meteor shower—an amazing and surreal experience. I never thought I could watch it with my bare eyes in Malaysia. Growing up, we always heard about meteor showers happening outside the country, so it felt unreal to actually see one here. I went to Port Dickson near the observatory tower, and although the nights were somewhat cloudy, I still managed to see a few meteors. What a night!

So here are some fun facts about the Perseid meteor shower.

⧪Annual Spectacle: Every year, the Perseid meteor shower graces the night sky, typically peaking between August 11th and 13th. This yearly event is a favourite among stargazers.

⧪Comet Origins: You’re witnessing debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle when you watch the Perseids. As Earth passes through the comet’s debris trail, these tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating a stunning meteor shower.

⧪Name Origins: The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus because the meteors seem to radiate from a point in the sky near this constellation, known as the radiant.

⧪Meteor Count: At its peak, you can expect to see anywhere from 60 to 100 meteors per hour, depending on the clarity of the skies and the level of light pollution in your area.

⧪Bright Fireballs: The Perseids are famous for their bright fireballs—extra bright meteors that can light up the night sky. These fireballs are caused by larger comet fragments entering Earth’s atmosphere.

⧪Historical Significance: The Perseid meteor shower has a long history, with observations dating back over 2,000 years. Chinese astronomers first recorded it in 36 AD.

⧪Best Viewing Time: You’ll have the best chance of seeing the Perseids during the pre-dawn hours when the sky is at its darkest. The shower is best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere but can be seen from various parts of the world.

⧪No Equipment Needed: You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the Perseids—just find a dark spot away from city lights, lie back, and enjoy the show.

⧪Comet's Return: Though Comet Swift-Tuttle, the source of the Perseids, won’t return to the inner solar system until 2126, you’ll still get to enjoy the meteor shower every year.

⧪Make a Wish: The Perseids are often associated with good luck or the chance to make a wish upon seeing a shooting star, adding an extra touch of wonder to your viewing experience.

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