Already since the middle of July a look at the night sky is worthwhile. The famous Perseids shower makes itself wide on the firmament. When they reach their maximum, there are up to 100 shooting stars per minute. This is what you need to know about the Perseids 2023!
Grab a picnic blanket, your sweetheart or a dear friend and make yourselves comfortable on a meadow. Pack a little time and bug spray, then you can watch a beautiful sky spectacle.
But when will the Perseids peak in 2023? Can the shooting star night be seen well this year? Where is the best place to observe them?
So many questions. We'll tell you everything you need to know about them today!
Table of contents
What you need to know about the origin of the Perseid shower
Every year we can observe the shooting star shower of the Perseids. The recurring spectacle is also called Laurentius Tears.
But why do shooting stars pass the Earth every year? Professor Kraupe of the Hamburg Planetarium knows the answer: "Every year, our Earth passes through the crossroad of splinters from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle." The dust particles left behind collide with the Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
And us? For us, the particles become visible as shooting stars.
Many are sure to get a motivational high around the time of the shooting star night. Our zodiac signs are said to be influenced by the shower of shooting stars, this can even be read in the annual horoscope.
Perseids peak 2023: This is how you see the most shooting stars
The Perseid shower is the most famous and largest shooting star shower that we can observe with the naked eye. Every year we can look forward to it.
It's really worth setting aside a little time to enjoy a wonderful evening outdoors.
This year the shooting stars begin on July 17 and last until August 24, 2023 an. During this period you can observe shooting stars every day. This year, the celestial event will be especially visible.
The Perseids maximum is from August 9 to 13. The Perseids reach their peak in 2023 in the night from August 12 to 13. In this night up to 300 shooting stars per hour are possible.
But already since July 17 a look into the sky is worthwhile. You have to look a little closer, but one or the other shooting star can already be seen with the naked eye.
By the way, the shooting stars are traveling with up to 216 km per second, I learned that in this video. If you are interested in this topic, then I can recommend you this video about shooting star hail.
Tips so that you can see the Perseids 2023 well
If you follow these tips, it will be especially easy for you to enjoy the shooting star night.
1. pay attention to the weather forecast
If then also the weather plays along and the sky is free of clouds, nothing stands in the way of observing the Perseids 2023.
Therefore, to be on the safe side, don't put everything on one date. Be spontaneous when the sky is clear. It's also best to take a close look at the temperatures.
Pack a thin blanket or jacket. Anyone who sits cools down and is a sitting duck for mosquitoes. Hence the next tip: Make mosquito spray yourself and take it with you!
2. search for the Perseids
If you know a little about the stars, you should let your gaze wander in the direction of the constellation Perseus. This is where the Perseids originate.
It must be said, however, that the constellation Perseus is difficult to find for beginners. It's best to orient yourself to Cassiopeia. The constellation is much easier to find because it has the shape of a big W. Directly below Cassiopeia is Perseus.
By the way, the constellation Perseus represents a Greek hero who defeated the deadly Medusa. Medusa was a terrifying figure with three wings and snake hair, whoever looked at her froze to stone - according to Greek mythology.
There are great apps like SkyView that help you find the constellations.
The association of star friends in Germany recommend to look to the east, because here most Schnuppen can be observed.
3. choose the best time
We can expect the peak of the Perseids on August 12/13. By the way, you should be able to see the most if you take a look at the sky shortly before dawn. With clear view up to 100 shooting stars per hour are to be seen.
4. observe Perseids 2023
The best place to see the 2023 shooting stars is, of course, in places where there is no light pollution. So outside the city.
Those who are very sporty can make themselves comfortable on a mountain. Others take the car and drive to the country. On a cozy meadow with a blanket or even a deck chair it can be endured.
Don't worry if you can't dive into the shooting star night right away. Your eyes have to get used to it first. Once you have discovered the first shooting star, others will not be long in coming.
Do not look at your smartphone. It distracts your eyes and you will have a hard time finding shooting stars.
Shooting star night 2023: Here wishes come true
You know the saying, "If you see a shooting star, you can make a wish." Supposedly, this wish comes true if you close your eyes after seeing the shooting star.
Of course, you must not tell anyone your wish. It is your little secret, if it is really to come true. Where this belief comes from is unknown. One explanation could be that people used to see divine sparks of light in the stars. Shooting stars were interpreted as wicks that angels dropped while cleaning the celestial bodies.
So when the Perseids reach their maximum in 2023, the angels will have quite a bit of cleaning to do. :)
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