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The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular and spectacular meteor showers of the year, and it’s a great way to kick off the summer "shooting star" season. Here’s what you need to know to catch a glimpse of this amazing celestial event:

When to watch: The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12-13, but you can start seeing meteors as early as July 23 and as late as August 22. The best time to watch is usually between midnight and dawn, when the sky is at its darkest.

Where to watch: Find a dark location with minimal light pollution, such as a park or a remote area away from city lights. Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark, and then lie down or sit comfortably to gaze up at the sky.

What to expect: The Perseid meteor shower is known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that can leave behind glowing trails. You can expect to see around 50-100 meteors per hour during the peak, although the number can vary from year to year.

Tips for viewing:

  1. Dress warmly: It can get chilly even in the summer, so bring a blanket or dress in layers to stay comfortable.
  2. Bring binoculars or a telescope: While not necessary, these can help you spot more meteors and get a closer look at the sky.
  3. Be patient: Meteor showers can be unpredictable, and you may need to wait a while to see a meteor. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment to pass the time.
  4. Download a meteor shower app: Apps like Sky Map or Meteor Shower can help you track the meteor shower and find the best viewing locations.
  5. Enjoy the experience: The Perseid meteor shower is a special event, so take time to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and the wonder of the meteors.

Interesting facts:

  1. The Perseid meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through the debris trail of the Swift-Tuttle comet.
  2. The meteors from the Perseid shower are some of the fastest, traveling at speeds of up to 40 miles per second.
  3. The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for over 2,000 years, with records of the shower dating back to ancient China.

Get ready to make some wishes upon a shooting star! The Perseid meteor shower is a magical experience that’s sure to leave you in awe of the night sky.

What a beautiful and unique photo! The SOAR Telescope, normally a stalwart observer of the night sky, is transformed into a winter wonderland scene, blanketed with a thick layer of snow. The usually-barren Chilean landscape is now a serene and peaceful expanse of white, with the telescope’s dome and surrounding buildings peeking out from beneath the frosty covering. The snow-covered peaks of the Andes Mountains rise up in the distance, a majestic backdrop for this unusual scene. The clear blue sky above adds a sense of depth and contrast to the photo, highlighting the stark beauty of the snow-covered telescope. It’s not often that we get to see astronomical observatories like SOAR in the midst of a snowstorm. Typically, these facilities are located in areas with clear skies and low humidity, making snow a rare occurrence. But here, the snow has brought a touch of magic to the normally-arid landscape, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, beauty and wonder can be found. The SOAR Telescope, operated by the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, is a 4.1-meter optical and infrared telescope that has been in operation since 2002. It’s a versatile instrument, capable of conducting a wide range of astronomical research, from studying the formation of stars and galaxies to searching for exoplanets and understanding the properties of dark energy. But on this day, July 11, 2025, the telescope is not focused on the distant reaches of the universe. Instead, it’s simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of a snowy day, a rare and special treat in the Chilean desert.