Perseid meteor shower 2023: Here's why it's a big deal and when to see it in Arizona

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
·3 min read

Meteor fanatics, this one is for you! The Perseid meteor shower is visible during most of August, allowing spectators to see the bright trails slicing through the night sky.

The Perseids are one of the most active meteor showers of the year. On peak nights, you may witness an average of 60 to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

And unlike some meteor showers where you’ll have to travel somewhere specific for best viewing opportunities, you can see the Perseids from anywhere in Arizona. Just try to get as far from light pollution as you can for the best views.

Here is your guide to watching the 2023 Perseid meteor shower in Arizona.

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What meteor shower is happening tonight?

The Perseid meteor shower is happening in August 2023.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Perseids are one of “the most popular meteor showers as they peak on warm August nights as seen from the northern hemisphere.”

What is the Perseid meteor shower?

Star trails and a meteor from the Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen beyond the Superstition Mountains on Aug. 14, 2016, in Apache Junction.
Star trails and a meteor from the Perseid Meteor Shower can be seen beyond the Superstition Mountains on Aug. 14, 2016, in Apache Junction.

The Perseid meteors are known for their long and persistent trails, so expect to see bright and fast-moving meteors streaking across the night sky.

“The Perseid meteor shower happens annually in August when Earth's orbit intersects the dust and debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet goes around the sun once every 133 years and came by the Earth in 1995,” said Vishnu Reddy, professor of planetary science and director of Space4 Center at the University of Arizona.

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How long does the Perseid shower last?

The Perseid meteor shower can be seen from July 14 to Sept. 1, 2023.

What time is the Perseid meteor shower?

According to Earth Sky's website, "Perseids are best viewed from midnight to sunrise and in 2023 the waning crescent moon will not wash out any meteors."

What night does the Perseid meteor shower peak?

Reddy said peak viewing of the Perseids will be on Sunday, Aug. 13.

The visibility of a meteor shower depends a lot on the moon phase.

“Luckily, this year we are fortunate as the new moon is around Aug. 16,” said Reddy. “So, weather permitting, we should be able to see some meteors on the late night of Aug. 12 into the early morning of Aug 13. The prediction suggests that the debris trail we will encounter this year is when comet Swift-Tuttle came around the year 68 BC, making it hard to forecast what we will see at its peak.”

Where can I see the Perseids in Phoenix and around Arizona

You’ll be able to see the Perseids meteor shower anywhere in Arizona. Be in as dark a location as possible for optimum viewing, as the shower is during predawn hours and tends to be more active after midnight.

Want to know where to look for them? The American Meteor Society says the Perseid meteor shower got its name due to its origins near the prominent constellation of Perseus, the hero.

What meteor showers are coming up in 2023?

Upcoming meteor showers to keep an eye for are:

  • Orionids: Sept. 26-Nov. 22.

  • Southern Taurids: Sept. 28-Dec. 2.

  • Northern Taurids: Oct. 13-Dec. 2.

  • Leonids: Nov. 3-Dec. 2.

  • Geminids: Nov. 19-Dec. 24.

For more information on the meteor showers and what to expect go to the American Meteor Society’s calendar.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Perseid meteor shower 2023: When and where to see it in Arizona