Cyprus Residents Can Witness the Perseid Meteor Shower

Residents of Cyprus have the opportunity to witness the brightest meteor shower, the Perseids, in the night sky. This astronomical event began on July 17 and will continue until August 24.

The meteor shower will reach its peak on Monday and Tuesday, August 12 and 13. During these peak nights, the shower will have a maximum intensity of 100-150 shooting stars per hour.

Experts recommend observing the shower outdoors, away from artificial light, and after 11:00 PM.

According to the President of the Cyprus Astronomical Society, Chrysanthos Fakas, a telescope is not necessary to see the shooting stars—this phenomenon is visible to the naked eye if you look towards the constellation Perseus in the northern sky.

“The Perseids are a meteor shower that appears annually in July and August. The name originates because the meteors seem to form in the constellation Perseus. During this time, Earth passes through a region where the Swift-Tuttle comet left many remnants. These small rocks are pulled in by Earth's gravity and start to burn up in the atmosphere, creating the beautiful display of the Perseids,” explained the scientist.

It is also noteworthy that to celebrate this event, the Kition Planetarium and Observatory in Cyprus are holding their 17th annual Perseid observation event. The peak of the meteor shower is expected on August 12. Additionally, from August 17 to 19, residents of Cyprus will also be able to witness a supermoon in the sky.