Perseid meteor shower may be visible in Mid-MO this week

The Perseid meteor shower is expected to streak across the skies in the coming days, and viewing conditions will be almost perfect in Mid-MO.

The Perseids are one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year, occurring every August as the Earth plows through a trail of dust and debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle. Those tiny particles hit the atmosphere at incredible speed and burn up as they streak across the sky.

This year, the moon will also help. The peak of the shower coincides with a new moon, meaning there will be no moonlight to wash out the night sky. Forecasters say you could see anywhere from 30 to 50 meteors per hour under these conditions.

The best window of time to look outside will be from about midnight to dawn on both Wednesday and Thursday nights. Meteors will be visible anywhere in the sky, but they'll appear to radiate out from the constellation Perseus to the northeast.

You'll only need your eyes to see the show; binoculars and telescopes will narrow your field of vision. Getting away from city lights also makes a real difference. Rural fields and backyards can dramatically improve what you can see.

Keep the heat in mind this year, as dangerous heat lingers in Mid-Missouri. Even after sunset, temperatures remain elevated in the 80s, which is warm enough to cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water and avoid hauling too much heavy gear outside to watch the stars.

If you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous, or you get a headache, head inside to cool off and drink a glass of water. Also check on pets and kids who may exert themselves outside at night.