Perseids

Definition

The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower that occur annually in the month of August. They are named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate. The Perseids are one of the most well-known and widely observed meteor showers, known for their high rates of activity and the possibility of seeing bright, colorful meteors or 'shooting stars'.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Perseids are associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, which leaves behind a trail of debris that the Earth passes through annually.
2. The Perseids typically peak around August 12th, with the highest rates of meteor activity often seen between midnight and dawn.
3. Observers can sometimes see up to 60-100 meteors per hour during the peak of the Perseids, making it one of the most prolific meteor showers.
4. The Perseids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that often leave behind persistent trains (glowing trails of ionized gas).
5. The Perseids are a reliable and predictable meteor shower, occurring every year and allowing for consistent observation and study.

Review Questions

• Describe the relationship between the Perseids meteor shower and the comet Swift-Tuttle.
  • The Perseids meteor shower is associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun and leaves behind a trail of debris in its wake. As the Earth passes through this debris field annually in August, the particles enter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating the Perseids meteor shower that we observe from the ground. The debris field from Swift-Tuttle is the source of the Perseids, and the comet's periodic visits to the inner solar system replenish and sustain this reliable meteor shower.
• Explain the significance of the Perseids' peak activity period and the factors that contribute to their high meteor rates.
  • The Perseids typically reach their peak activity around August 12th, with the highest rates of meteor activity often seen between midnight and dawn. This is due to the Earth's orientation relative to the debris field, as well as the density and velocity of the particles encountered. As the Earth moves through the densest part of the debris stream, observers on the night-side of the planet have the best viewing conditions, leading to the high meteor rates associated with the Perseids. Additionally, the Perseids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that often leave behind persistent trains, further contributing to their popularity and significance as one of the most prolific meteor showers.
• Evaluate the Perseids' reliability and predictability as a meteor shower, and discuss how these characteristics make it valuable for scientific observation and study.
  • The Perseids are considered a highly reliable and predictable meteor shower, occurring annually and allowing for consistent observation and study. This predictability is due to the comet Swift-Tuttle's well-understood orbit and the fact that the Earth passes through the same debris field each year. The Perseids' reliability and high rates of activity make them an invaluable resource for astronomers and meteor enthusiasts, as they can plan observations, collect data, and study the shower's characteristics over time. The Perseids' consistent appearance and the possibility of observing bright, colorful meteors also contribute to their popularity and scientific significance, as they provide an accessible opportunity for the general public to engage with and learn about meteor showers and the broader field of astronomy.

Related terms

Meteor: A meteor is a space rock or piece of debris that burns up as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere, creating a brief streak of light visible from the ground.

Meteoroid: A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic object in space that, when entering the Earth's atmosphere, becomes a meteor.

Comet: A comet is a small icy body in the solar system that orbits the Sun, and as it approaches the inner solar system, the comet's nucleus develops an atmosphere and tail.