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Perseid Meteor Shower
Context
The Perseid meteor shower is a popular phenomenon where meteors fall to Earth from space during a specific season. This year's peak is expected to occur on August 11th and 13th.
About
- The Perseid meteor shower, commonly known as the Perseids, is visible annually from mid-July to late August.
- The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
- Swift-Tuttle was discovered independently by two astronomers, Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, in 1862.
- Comet Swift-Tuttle is the largest object known to repeatedly pass by Earth; its nucleus is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) wide.
- The shower is known for its fast and luminous movements across the night sky, with almost 100 meteors visible every hour.
- The Perseid meteor shower is not dangerous to Earth as most meteors disintegrate in the atmosphere, and some can produce minor fireballs.
- Perseids, typically fast and luminous, create a path of color and light as they move across the night sky.
Fact Box: What is a Meteor Shower?
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