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Observing Meteor Showers

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The radiant Geminid meteor shower over the Carnegie Las Campanas observatory, near the Atacama desert in Chile, Dec. 14, 2015. The Milky Way and bright stars, Rigel in the Orion constellation, and Sirius in the Canis Major constellation, shine brightly. The night sky is a treasure trove of celestial wonders, and one of the most awe-inspiring events it has to offer is a meteor shower. While many meteor showers occur throughout the year, a few stand out as the best displays of shooting stars and captivating stargazers with their mesmerizing celestial light shows. Among these, the Perseids, Geminids, and Quadrantids are some of the most eagerly anticipated meteor showers. The Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August, is a celestial spectacle that should not be missed. This annual event is known for producing up to 100 meteors per hour, originating from the comet Swift-Tuttle. To observe the Perseids, head to a dark location away from city lights, lie back, and let your eyes ...