As every August, these days have one of the most popular astronomical phenomena of the summer season and practically all year round, the Perseids. This meteor shower, also known as the tears of St. Lawrence due to the date of its peak, August 10, St. Lawrence’s Day, occurs after the passage of the trail of the comet Swift-Tuttle between July and August.
As a result, thousands of particles from this comet enter and disintegrate in the Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon is called the Perseids because the point in the sky where it appears to originate is located in the constellation of Perseus.
What is the best day to see the Perseids?
Although this meteor shower has been in effect since July 17 and will continue until Saturday, August 24, the peak, when up to 200 meteors per hour can be seen, will be between Sunday, August 11 and Tuesday, August 13.
In fact, the time when the greatest meteor shower is expected will be on August 12, although the time will not be favorable since this shower is expected to be most numerous between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. peninsular time, in broad daylight, which makes it impossible to see them.
Where is the best place in Spain to see them?
The best visibility of the Perseids is in the northern hemisphere, so any place in Spain is perfect for them. However, light pollution prevents proper visibility of this phenomenon.
It is therefore recommended to view them in places far from urban areas, where this pollution cannot interfere with the view of the sky. It is also recommended to view them from a high place and in nature. It is also recommended to view them without a telescope that could limit the view.
Once you are there, it is advisable to look in the opposite direction to the moon in the sky as it will be darker and easier to see them. For example, some people recommend going to places like Teide or the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Cadiz, or Gredos in Avila, as the dark and clear sky makes it easier to see this long-awaited spectacle.
