Experience the Perseids Meteor Shower in Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss – The Perseid Meteor Shower has begun and will peak in the Vicksburg area the night of August 11 and early morning on the 12th.

The annual display happens when Earth passes through the debris stream of comet Swift-Tuttle. This year that is happening in mid to late July and through most of August. The peak night for viewing will be the night of August 11 and early morning of the 12th. However a waxing moon may partially obstruct some meteors.

A meteoroid is a rock that remains in space, ranging in size from tiny dust particles to large asteroids. When meteoroids enter a planet’s atmosphere, including Earth’s, they travel at high speeds and burn up, creating the bright trails known as meteors or “shooting stars.” If a meteoroid survives its fiery descent and reaches Earth’s surface, it becomes a meteorite.

NASA estimates that about 48.5 tons (44 tonnes or 44,000 kilograms) of meteoritic material falls on Earth daily. Most of this material vaporizes in Earth’s atmosphere, leaving behind the dazzling trails we see as shooting stars.

To increase your chances of seeing more meteors (and keeping the kids engaged) you may want to travel to locations outside the city. Also, be sure to check the weather on the night you’re making your trip.