What is a meteor shower and how does it occur?

Meteor showers, also known as shooting star showers, occur each year when Earth’s orbit crosses the orbits of comets and asteroids.

But is there a risk of a meteor strike? What does it take to observe the rain? When does it happen? Let us tell you.

What is a meteor shower?

Meteor showers are an astronomical phenomenon that results from traces of dust and debris left by comets and asteroids as they pass in their orbits close to the Sun.

When these celestial bodies approach the star, a meltdown occurs that releases particles trapped in their orbits.

Earth also passes through these orbits at certain times of the year. When this occurs, these particles are drawn into the Earth’s atmosphere.

In free fall, this debris, pulled by Earth’s gravity, burns up when it comes into contact with our atmosphere.

When this happens, we see a bright trail in the sky, which we often call shooting stars.

What is the origin of the names of meteor showers?

Seasonal showers are named after the constellations in which meteorites appear as their source. Therefore, we have rains:

– Quadrangles: Originates in the constellation of Shepherd in January. It peaks at around 4.

– Lyrids: Occurs in April, its peak is close to 22. It originates in the constellation Lyra.

-Eta-Aquarids and Delta-Aquarids: The rains, with their peaks near May 5 and July 29, respectively, originate in the constellation Aquarius.

– Perseids: Occurs in August, peaks on the 13th. Originates in the constellation of Hero.

– Orionids: In October, the show comes from the direction of Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion. The summit takes place on the 22nd.

– Taurus: Occurs between November 3 and 13, originating from the constellation Taurus.

– Leonidas: Rain still peaking on the 18th in November, close to the constellation Leo.

– Twins: As we wrap up the year, we’re seeing a meteor shower from the constellation Gemini with its zenith on December 14.

As the dates may vary according to some days, the rate of meteorites seen per hour may also change.

With a speed of 90 meteors per hour, the strongest rains are caused by the rains of the Quadrantids, Perseids and Geminids. Others have a rate of 15 to 20 meteors per hour.

Density depends on how much loose material is left in the cavity. Because they are byproducts of irregular and long orbits of asteroids and comets, precipitation decreases over the years, until the star returns and yields new material.

The main sources of rain are Halley’s comet (Aquarids and Orionids), Thatcher comet C/1861 G1 (Lyrids), Swift-Tuttle comet (Perseids), among other stars.

Are there risks to observing the meteor shower?

There is no risk in observing the rains. Generally, the particles are small and degrade in the atmosphere.

Meteorites hitting Earth’s soil are usually debris, wandering debris thrown into space by the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

But getting hit by a meteor is statistically easier than earning the mega-sena.

What does it take to observe a meteor shower?

No special equipment is required to observe the phenomenon. But as with any astronomical event, you need an area with good weather and good sky views.

In this particular case, even the full moon can distort the observation.

Some space on the floor, mattresses, sleeping bags, rug, cameras and some patience. Some rains are less intense so you may have to wait a while until you see some lines in the sky.

You can optimize the search by using apps like Stellarium to determine where the constellation will start raining.

There are also dedicated websites that show the busiest days and times so you can set your alarm clock to only work at the event time.

If possible, look for poorly lit places for observation, away from urban areas, and preferably not alone.

Is everything ready for observation? So cuddle up, look up at the sky and enjoy the show!