NASA Issues Perseid Meteor Shower Alert: Urges Americans to Flee Cities

The world is gearing up for the most spectacular meteor shower on Earth, and NASA has advised Americans to leave the cities this weekend to witness the mesmerizing Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseid meteor shower is predicted to peak from Sunday evening through Monday, during which approximately 50 to 75 shooting stars will be visible every hour.

However, the US space agency has cautioned that light pollution in urban areas might hinder the view of the cosmic display.

NASA recommends that skywatchers venture outside between midnight and 5:30 am to see the meteors, which are expected to be most visible in the northeastern sky.

The optimal viewing time for a meteor shower typically occurs when the sky is dark and the moon is absent, providing an ideal backdrop for such an event.

“Try to get to the darkest location you can. The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky,” NASA stated in its press release.

The Perseid meteor shower began on July 14 and will continue until September 1, but this weekend offers the best viewing opportunities.

NASA has dubbed the annual meteor showers the ‘fireball champion’ for producing the most super bright meteors.

Tips for watching the Perseid meteor shower:
To view the Perseid meteor shower, find a spot outside the city with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the sky.

Skywatchers should locate the Perseus constellation, the 24th largest constellation in the sky, situated in the northern region.

Once in a dark location, simply look up at the stars. The meteors will be brightest during the darkest part of the night, which is pre-dawn after the moon has set and before the sun rises.

The Perseid meteors will appear in the Northeast where the constellation Perseus will rise after dusk.

Avoid looking at phones or any white light sources while watching the meteors, as they can disrupt night vision. It’s also best to forgo using telescopes or binoculars to spot the Perseids.