This Year’s Most Widely Viewed Meteor Shower, The Perseids, Will Peak This Wednesday

The Perseid meteor shower is at its peak visibility this week and will remain visible in the night sky, anywhere in the world, through August 24^th.

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual astronomical event that takes place between July 17^th and August 24^th as a result of debris fragmenting from the Swift-Tuttle comet. The brilliant shower becomes visible when Earth’s revolution intersects with the icy comet’s wake. It is most visible in the northern hemisphere and in areas with limited light pollution; still, because of the small crescent moon on August 11^th and 12^th, the night sky is darker and the Perseids shine their brightest. It’s the perfect excuse to gather a group of friends, look up at the sky, and stargaze.

The Perseids’ name comes from its proximity to the constellation Perseus, as the meteor shower appears to radiate from Perseus’ tail. In Greek mythology, Perseus is the son of the god of the sky, Zeus, and a mortal, Danae. In the famous myth, Zeus visits Danae in a shower of gold, and together they conceive Perseus. Perseus is heroic and brave in the face of danger to save his mother as he slays Medusa and ultimately achieves the freedom that he and his mother deserved. Perseus is special because of his gallantry in a time of despair.

The constellation Perseus contains a star known as Algol, which is considered the eye of Medusa in Greek mythology.

Sometimes referred to as the “demon-star,” Algol represents the fear that exists within bravery; it helps us see the things we are afraid to see.

Rather than fear Algol, we are reminded through the Perseids meteor shower to be brave, even in the face of danger.

According to Greek mythology, the Perseids commemorate Zeus visiting Danae in a shower of gold

The Perseids meteor shower is bright and intense against the dark sky and fizzles out quickly, much like Zeus’ relationship with Danae. This means that the meteor shower can represent short-lived love, passion, or intensity. Most significantly, the Perseids meteor shower acts as a yearly reminder to face our fears and find the light amid the darkness. In other words, if we can remind ourselves to be brave while the Perseids soar overhead, we can surmount anything, no matter how intense. We are reminded to spread love before the shower of gold fizzles out.