Perseids Meteor Shower Will Dazzle the West Texas Sky

You might want to make plans to check out the sky the next couple of nights to witness the Perseids Meteor Shower.

The peak is thought to be Thursday morning (August 13) around 3 a.m. central time with up to 100 meteor showers visible per hour.

Why is it happening now, and why so many meteor showers?

The Perseids meteor shower is the result of space debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet's tail striking the earth's atmosphere. The light show happens each year in August when the Earth passes through a cloud of the comet's debris. This causes little bits of comet dust to enter the Earth's atmosphere at 37 miles per second. The dust disintegrates and causes amazing light streaks that light up the sky.

NASA says that if you see only one meteor shower this year, make it this one. NASA advises looking toward the constellations Cassiopeia and Perseus in the northeastern part of the sky. Peak activity will be August 12 and 13, from 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. central time.

Another plus that will enhance viewing is the start of a new moon. Little to no moon means less light and better visibility. So hit your backyard, head outside the city limits and enjoy this gorgeous space-y spectacle.

[via ABC News]