Skywatchers in Thailand will be able to admire the Perseid meteor shower from 11pm this Wednesday, with a peak expected at around a hundred meteors per hour under favourable conditions.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) announces particularly favourable observation conditions this year. The absence of the moon will indeed allow full appreciation of the celestial spectacle, provided that clouds do not obscure it.
The radiant of the Perseids lies in the constellation of Perseus. It will appear above the north-eastern horizon around 11pm, offering observers a viewing window until dawn, weather permitting.
The NARIT recommends finding a dark location away from urban lights and observing the phenomenon with the naked eye, lying down and looking towards the area of sky from which the meteors appear to originate. The spectacle could be visible across the entire country, provided the sky remains clear, which should be the case over Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
However, as Thailand is currently in the midst of the rainy season, heavy rainfall in several regions risks compromising observation.
The Perseids return each year between 17 July and 24 August, with peak activity generally observed around 12 and 13 August. This phenomenon is caused by debris left in the orbit of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. When the Earth passes through these particles, they ignite in the atmosphere, creating brief luminous trails. The phenomenon poses no danger to the planet.