Perseids Meteor Shower Over Oman’s Skies
According to the Omani Astronomical Society, Oman is currently experiencing the Perseids meteor shower, which started on August 15 and will continue until August 24, 2024. This annual event is one of the most famous summer meteor showers and will peak with 60 to 100 meteors per hour.
Mrs. Ashwaq Al-Siyabiya, a member of the Omani Astronomical Society’s executive committee, explained to Omani News Agency: “The Perseids meteor shower occurs when Earth, in its orbit around the sun, passes near the orbit of a comet, and intersects with a trail of dust left by that comet. For the Perseids, Earth passes through debris from the comet ‘Swift-Tuttle,’ causing these particles to enter Earth’s atmosphere at about 72 kilometers per second, creating bright meteor streaks.”
She added: “To view the best of this meteor shower, you should find a dark location away from light pollution and natural obstructions like tall trees, and look towards the northeast, near the Perseus constellation. The optimal viewing time is from late Monday night August 21 until before dawn on Tuesday August 22.”
Mrs. Al-Siyabiya also encouraged astronomy enthusiasts to take advantage of this opportunity to capture stunning images of Perseids meteors and other celestial objects such as Jupiter and Saturn. This phenomenon is visible to the naked eye and offers a perfect chance to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos and reflect on its wonders.
source: Perseids Meteor Shower Over Oman’s Skies (omannews.gov.om)
