Perseid meteor shower 2024: The best way to see them in Hertfordshire and Essex

Excellent viewing conditions are expected over Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area for this year’s Perseid meteor shower.

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular annual celestial events, well known for its bright and numerous meteors. Originating from the debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, the Perseids are visible each year from mid-July to late August, peaking around August 12-13, as Earth’s journey around the Sun passes through the comet’s tail.

The best way to view this meteor shower from the East of England is to find a location far from city lights, such as the countryside or coastal areas. Optimal viewing conditions occur after midnight until dawn, when the sky is darkest and the meteor rate is highest.

For 2024, the peak nights to observe the Perseids are the nights of Monday August 12 and Tuesday August 13. During these nights, the shower can produce up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

To maximise your viewing experience, lie on a reclining chair or blanket with your feet pointing towards the north-eastern sky where the constellation Perseus, the shower’s radiant point, is located. It's recommended to allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness and to avoid looking at your phone or any other sources of light during this period.

The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus because the meteors appear to emanate from this part of the sky. This meteor shower is particularly noted for its bright meteors, known as fireballs, which are larger explosions of light and colour that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. Fireballs are also known for their impressive brightness and can light up the sky for several seconds, making the Perseid meteor shower a favourite among astronomers and casual stargazers alike.

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