Perseids meteor shower seen this month

MANILA, Philippines - Astronomy enthusiasts in the country can watch out for the famous Perseids meteor shower this month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said the Perseids meteor shower will be observed in the late night and early morning hours of Aug. 12 to 13, one day after the full moon.

“The famous Perseids meteor shower’s zenithal hourly rate is 15 bright and swift-moving meteors,” Servando said in a statement.

August is one of the most popular times of the year to observe meteor showers, according to the weather bureau. “Meteors are easiest to see if there is no moonlight, light pollution at all and if the weather permits,” Servando said.

The Perseids meteor shower radiates from the constellation Perseus, which is located in the eastern horizon during August, he said.