This night is the peak of activity of the Perseids, during which a shower of shooting stars will be visible. Here are some tips to take advantage of it.

Every year, between July and August, the Earth crosses a swarm of dust left by comet Swift-Tuttle. This phenomenon is reflected by a shower of shooting stars, which we call the Perseids. In the night, astronomy enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the peak of the Perseids, that is to say the peak of this shower of shooting stars, where nearly a hundred meteors will be able to cross the night sky each hour.

Tonight, it will be the peak of the shower of shooting stars # Perseids. https://t.co/vkiljF6SgKpic.twitter.com/aRyImHTlaN

- The Weather Channel (@lachainemeteo) August 12, 2019

When will it be necessary to look up?

This year, the phenomenon occurs near the full moon, scheduled for August 15, which may slightly affect the visibility of the celestial spectacle. If the peak Perseids is expected between 22 hours Friday and 11 hours Saturday, the maximum intensity is however expected around 2 am, with an average shooting star per minute.

But because of the high brightness of the moon, it is advisable to wait for it to go down, around 4 am, to admire the phenomenon.

In which direction to look?

What must be observed is the constellation Perseus, located under the "W" formed by the constellation Cassiopeia. The radiant, the region from which the meteors seem to come, is found when looking north.

Apps like SkySafari or Google Sky will help you know which way to look up.

How to observe the stars?

Forget the glasses, telescopes and other specific objects that will allow you to see only a small part of the sky. The rain of shooting stars is a phenomenon observable to the naked eye.

In order to make the most of the show, it will still be necessary to favor a place with the least possible lighting, and thus to flee the light pollution of big cities, even the brightness of the moon, while hoping that the weather remains clement. The light pollution maps produced by the Île-de-France Astronomy Association will allow you to identify areas to avoid to observe the phenomenon. If you can, choose the sea or the mountains.

Finally, be patient, because it takes at least ten minutes for your vision to get used to the darkness.

How are shooting stars formed?

Shooting stars are actually comet dusts. Entering the atmosphere, these dust burn between 110 and 90 km altitude. This shock, extremely violent, produces light and leaves luminous trails orange, red or green. Each debris then becomes a "shooting star".