Perseid meteor shower 2024: Where and when to see it from Michigan
- Perseid meteor shower is visible in Michigan
- The annual meteor shower occurs between mid-July and September
- This year, peak activity is expected between Aug. 11 and 12
The Perseid meteor shower is back and Michiganders may be able to see Perseids dashing across the night sky through September. The annual meteor shower is one of the few visible in the summer without the use of a telescope.
On most nights, only a few meteors will be visible each hour. Activity is expected to peak between Aug. 11 and 12, when up to 200 meteors can be visible an hour, according to NASA.
During its peak, the moon will be in the first quarter and the best time to view the meteor shower is between midnight and dawn beginning Aug. 11, according to the science website earthsky.org.
Meteors — little pieces of rock or dust that fall through the atmosphere — occur when comets orbiting the sun leave behind debris. The fragments become visible when they are about 60 miles from the ground.
What is a Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor originates from Comet Swift-Tuttle, a large periodic comet that orbits the sun every 133 years.
Related:
- How to watch Perseid meteor shower in Michigan: when is peak, where to look
- When is the next total solar eclipse in Michigan? Hint: Don’t wait up
- Eclipse blocks sun, brings out smiles from Michigan to Ohio
When the comet nears the sun, it emits dust that creates a dust trail around its orbit. Once Earth passes through the debris trail, that dust enters the Earth’s atmosphere creating a meteor shower.
In 1922, the comet reached perihelion, its closest proximity to the sun. It isn’t expected to happen again until 2125.
Best place to see it.
The best place to view the meteor shower is away from the city, far from the light pollution that can make it harder to see. Anywhere near the countryside where it becomes very dark at night is ideal.
While the meteors can be seen from anywhere in the sky, they will appear in the northern sky near the constellation Perseus.
Before going out to view Perseids it is recommended that you check the weather forecast for fog, clouds and the temperature. The meteor shower is easier to see in clear, dark skies.
It may take a while before you see any meteors so it is important to prepare for cooler temperatures.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
- See full coverage
- Subscribe
- Share tips and questions with Bridge environment reporter Kelly House
Michigan Environment Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:
Our generous Environment Watch underwriters encourage Bridge Michigan readers to also support civic journalism by becoming Bridge members. Please consider joining today.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!