The Perseids are remnants from the comet Swift-Tuttle and are named for the constellation Perseus. Just like train tracks seem to come together at the horizon, 'shooting stars' of a meteor shower also seem to originate from a single point. In this case, they seem to emanate from the stars that make up the constellation Perseus.
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Meteors are small pieces of rock and dirt varying in size from tiny dust particles to sand grains with an occasional pebble thrown into the mix. When a comet travels through our solar system, the sun heats the comet causing some evaporation. The comet leaves behind a dust trail. When the earth's orbit travels through such a trail, the dust hits our atmosphere at a great speed causing it to burn up. Often, these meteor showers are recurrent and predictable to a certain degree.
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event but the intensity of this year's shower (how many shooting stars per hour) is uncertain. Under a dark sky, 60 - 100 per hour is typical for this shower. However, there are indications this year's Perseids might be a lot better (say 300 an hour). There is always a tiny chance for a spectacular event with 1000's or more per hour, but don't count on it!
The moon cooperates nicely this year for the Perseid Meteor shower. Although the moon is a fat waxing gibeous, it is far to the south and will set early enough to have several hours of good observing before the Sun rises. If the sky is clear and you are away from city lights, conditions should be ideal for observing. The darker the spot you can find the better. Also, make certain you have a clear view of (especially) the North-North Eastern sky.
The moon cooperates nicely this year for the Perseid Meteor shower. Although the moon is a fat waxing gibeous, it is far to the south and will set early enough to have several hours of good observing before the Sun rises. If the sky is clear and you are away from city lights, conditions should be ideal for observing. The darker the spot you can find the better. Also, make certain you have a clear view of (especially) the North-North Eastern sky.
Unfortunately, for most, the best time to observe meteor showers is very early in the morning with the peak around 3 a.m. But with meteor showers things are always uncertain, and you might catch a terrific show before midnight.
