This is the best place in the world to see the Perseids (and it is in Spain)
- Meteor showers: definitive guide to see the Perseids and Tears of San Lorenzo this August
- The maximum of the Delta Aquarids 2023 arrives: at what time and from where to best see the meteor shower in Spain
Summer is a time that for many is very important. Many prefer it because it is the time to rest during their vacations. Others because they enjoy the high ambient temperatures. However, for a certain sector of the population, it is time to witness the night of the Perseids, who already live it as a tradition. It is a very particular day, since for a period of time we can witness an authentic visual spectacle without equal.
The Perseids occur due to a series of debris, dust and gases that are released into space by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which was discovered during the 1960s.. Every August, the Earth crosses the orbit of said space body.. This is completed every 133 years and is full of small particles that are thrown by the comet long ago, forming its tail, which enters the atmosphere at high speeds.. This triggers the famous phenomenon of shooting stars..
Coincidentally, one of the places to best see the Perseids is in Spain. Specifically, in the Teide National Park, in the Canary Islands, since it is a place with little light pollution and a clear sky. It is expected that shooting stars will be glimpsed at this site every fifteen minutes on the nights of August 12 and 13, being the best time to contemplate them..
When and how to see the Perseids
The Perseid season commonly occurs during the summer season and lasts for a little over a month, approximately between July 16 and August 24.. It will be the next day 12 when we find more of this activity in the sky, coinciding with the waning moon. Popularly known as Tears of Saint Lawrence, they can be seen throughout the northern hemisphere at this time..
To contemplate them, no specific type of optical device will be necessary, such as telescopes.. However, it is advisable to go to a dark location without too many visual obstacles that interfere with the sky to be able to witness them without difficulties..
In addition to the aforementioned place, other recommendations to view them would be the Aragón Planetarium, in Huesca, or the Tiedra Astronomical Center, in Valladolid.