Perseids meteor shower illuminates the sky in Minnesota on video
Southern Minnesota residents got a good look at the Perseid meteor shower that illuminated the sky Monday night as it continued to reach peak activity.
Video captured the cosmic event that usually occurs between mid-July to early September during warm summer nighttime weather, according to NASA. The peak, which shows up to 100 meteors per hour, happens around mid-August, the government agency said.
The Perseids began reaching peak activity on Sunday night, but the American Meteor Society said it would still be visible on Monday.
Perseids to peak:When and how to watch the best meteor shower of the year
Perseids are the ‘best meteor shower of the year’
The Perseids are considered the “best meteor shower of the year” due to their plentifulness and fireballs, according to NASA. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that are visible longer compared to an average meteor streak, the government agency said.
The Perseids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the pre-dawn hours, though sometimes it is possible to view meteors from this shower as early as 10 p.m., NASA said.
Some people have captured photos of the streaking meteors in the U.S. and around the globe. Check out some of the tantalizing pictures of the Perseids over the years.
Perseid meteor shower: See photos of celestial display
