One of the best times to catch shooting stars is happening now: The Perseids meteor shower peaks Aug. 11-13.
Sky watchers can expect to see 50-80 meteors per hour, if watching during the darkest hours after midnight.
The Perseids happen every year, when the earth travels through debris that was left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. This occurs from mid July to late August.
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The Persieds peak Aug. 11-13 because the earth travels through the densest part of the leftover debris. Years when the meteor shower occurs without moonlight appear most spectacular (this happened in 2016).
This year there is 50 per cent moonlight, but the moon will set at around midnight, meaning the viewing should be excellent after that, providing skies are clear.
