'Best meteor shower of the year' peaks this week

(Jimmy Westlake/NASA)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Head to your favorite stargazing spot because the "best meteor shower of the year" has arrived, according to NASA.

The Perseid meteor shower, which NASA says features bright meteors and their long "wakes of light," is expected to reach the peak of its activity Wednesday and Thursday. The Perseids have been active since July 17 and are expected to appear through Aug. 24, but astronomers say this week is the best chance for stargazers to enjoy the show.

"Look towards the familiar constellations Cassiopeia and Perseus in the northeast," NASA's Perseids forecast page reads. "They rise soon after sunset, but you'll want to wait until they are higher in the sky to see the most meteors."

Astronomers said the best time for meteor watching in Utah is 2 a.m. Thursday, when activity peaks, and stargazers could see as many as 100 meteors per hour. Generally, pre-dawn hours feature the best Perseid of the meteor show.

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Natalie Crofts

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