Perseid Meteor Shower 2021

from Old Farmer's Almanac website http://almanac.com/ 

WHEN IS THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER?

The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year from about July 23 to August 22, but reach their peak from late midnight August 11 to dawn August 13. 

The shower’s “maximum”—when the greatest number of meteors per hour fall (50 per hour)—is typically in the pre-dawn hours (when it’s still dark) of August 11, 12, or 13. 

HOW AND WHEN TO SEE THE PERSEIDS IN 2021

It does not matter where you live in the world! Just look up! And the best news? In 2021, the Moon phases work out perfectly for dark skies! There won’t be any moonlight to ruin on the show. The waxing crescent phase will set by early-to-mid evening. 

Generally, any time is a good time to watch for meteors—especially midnight to dawn—as there is always some dust or other cloud that Earth is plowing through. The meteor count is usually highest in the pre-dawn hours because that is when it’s darkest and when your position on Earth is forward to the motion through the dust cloud.

WHAT IS THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER?

Meteors occur when Earth rushes through a stream of dust and debris left behind by a passing comet (the Swift-Tuttle comet, in the case of the Perseids). When the bits strike Earth’s upper atmosphere, friction with the air causes each particle to heat and burn up. We see the result as a meteor.

The Perseid meteor shower occurs every August, and its fame comes from the fact that it reliably has the brightest and most numerous meteors. Even if the viewing conditions aren’t the best, you’re likely to spot some meteors during the maximum nights of the Perseid meteor shower.