After a quiet couple of months, the skies above the U.S. are about to come alive with shooting stars! July marks the beginning of an active period for meteor showers, leading up to the spectacular Perseid meteor shower in August. If you're eager to witness these celestial fireworks, here's your guide to making the most of summer meteor viewing.

The Perseid meteor shower is arguably the most anticipated meteor event of the year. Known for its fast-moving meteors and dazzling fireballs, the Perseids are set to begin around July 17 and will continue to grace our skies until August 23. The peak viewing nights will be August 12 and 13. During this peak, under ideal dark sky conditions, viewers in the Northern Hemisphere could potentially spot up to 100 meteors per hour! Many of these meteors leave vibrant, long-lasting trails, adding to the visual spectacle.

One of the best things about the Perseids is their timing. Being a summer shower, you won't have to brave freezing temperatures like you would with winter showers such as the Leonids or Geminids. The prime viewing time is typically between midnight and dawn, though you might catch a glimpse of meteors as early as 10 p.m.

This year, the Perseids peak occurs just a few days after a full moon. This means a bright, waning gibbous moon will be present in the sky, potentially reducing the visibility of fainter meteors. Don't let that deter you, though! You can still significantly improve your chances of seeing meteors. Find a location away from city lights, where the sky is dark and open. Lie flat on your back and give your eyes about 30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness. Patience is key!

Alongside the Perseids, two other meteor showers will be active: the Southern Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids. The Alpha Capricornids started on July 12, while the Southern Delta Aquarids began on July 18. Both showers will peak around July 29 and 30 and will continue through August 12. While these showers aren't as prolific as the Perseids, they still offer a chance to see shooting stars. Keep in mind that the Southern Delta Aquarids are known for producing fainter meteors, which may be harder to spot, especially with moonlight.

These meteor showers mark the first active period since the Eta Aquarids, which peaked in early May. Just as the Perseids are linked to the Swift-Tuttle comet, the Eta Aquarids are associated with Halley’s Comet. The Perseids originate from debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As Earth passes through this debris field each year, particles from the comet enter our atmosphere at incredible speeds. These particles burn up, creating the bright streaks we call "shooting stars."

Discovered in 1862, Swift-Tuttle is a massive comet, estimated to be twice the size of the asteroid that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs! It's a humbling thought as you watch its remnants light up the night sky.

Despite the potential challenges from moonlight, the coming weeks offer a fantastic opportunity to witness one of nature's most breathtaking displays. So, grab a blanket, find a dark spot, and prepare to be amazed by the summer meteor showers!