When will the 2007 Perseids be visible?

Question

I really want to see the Perseids this year, but I can't figure out when to look. In this article http://www.nightskyinfo.com/sky_highlights/ it says that the Perseids will peak before dawn on the mornings of August 12 and 13. Can anyone tell me a more precise timing? I live in Europe. Thanks!

Answer 1

The peak is predicted to be 05:30 - 07:00 UT on 13th August. It'll be light by then, so you'll probably miss it. That said, it's not a very sharp peak, so you shouldn't miss much if you're observing just before dawn.

Answer 2

The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year from about July 23 to August 22. The shower’s maximum, or time when the highest number of meteors fall per hour, is usually August 12 or 13. The rate at which the Perseids fall is determined by where Comet Swift-Tuttle is in relation to the earth when the earth crosses Swift-Tuttle’s orbit. Repeated passes of the comet have left a ring of debris throughout the comet’s orbit, and when this debris enters the earth’s atmosphere, a meteor shower is created. The concentration of meteors is higher when the comet is near the earth. In the early 20th century, peak rates were as low as 4 meteors per hour. When Swift-Tuttle was close to the earth in 1993, however, the Perseids’ peak rate was between 200 and 500 meteors per hour.

Answer 3

Hello,

Actually, the shower has a very long duration, from July 15 through August 25. The peak will be on about August 12 and 13.
It will be best seen from eastern North America to western Europe, as well as anywhere on the globe - there is no exact timing.

And just to end this answer with a funny note, take a look at this amusing animation: http://www.flashones.com/events/070323_en.php?ref=301

Answer 4

Couldn't tell you when because of the time difference but go to this site and it should.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/11jul_greatperseids.htm