2024 Perseid Meteor Shower: Peak Viewing This Weekend I UPSC

Perseid meteor

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Context:

Every year, the skies light up in a dazzling display, captivating astronomers and casual stargazers alike.
This phenomenon, known as the Perseid meteor shower, is one of the most anticipated astronomical events.
The 2024 Perseid meteor shower is set to peak this weekend, promising a spectacular show for skywatchers.

What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to emanate. It is also one of the most plentiful showers with nearly 100 meteors seen per hour.
This celestial event occurs annually around mid-August, peaking between the night of August 11 and the early hours of August 12 this year and they often generate fireballs.
The Perseids are known for their brightness and speed, often leaving behind trails of light and color as they streak through the sky.

Origins of the Perseids:

The Perseid meteors originate from the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
As the Earth passes through this debris field, tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating the brilliant streaks of light seen during the shower.
This comet, with an orbit lasting about 133 years, was last closest to the Earth in 1992 and won't return until 2126.

Scientific Importance:

Beyond its visual appeal, the Perseid meteor shower offers valuable data for scientists.
Studying these meteors helps researchers understand more about cometary debris and the behavior of small particles in space.
Observations during the shower can also provide insight into the composition of the parent comet, Swift-Tuttle.

Conclusion:

The Perseid meteor shower is a natural wonder that brings together enthusiasts from around the globe.
With its anticipated peak this weekend, it offers a perfect opportunity to connect with the cosmos.

Object	Definition	Composition	Origin	Appearance	Key Facts
Comet	A small celestial body that orbits the Sun, composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.	Ice, dust, rocky material, and organic compounds.	Originates from the outer solar system, particularly from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud.	Appears as a bright head (coma) with a tail pointing away from the Sun when near the Sun.	Comets develop tails due to solar radiation and the solar wind; they can have two tails: dust and ion.
Meteor	The streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up.	N/A (as it's the light phenomenon caused by a meteoroid)	Occurs when meteoroids (small fragments of asteroids or comets) enter the Earth's atmosphere.	Appears as a bright flash or streak of light in the sky (often called a "shooting star").	Most meteors burn up in the atmosphere; they are typically visible only for a few seconds.
Meteorite	A fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface.	Rock, metal, or a combination of both (stony, iron, or stony-iron meteorites).	Originates from meteoroids, which are fragments of asteroids, comets, or other celestial bodies.	Usually appears as a small, irregularly shaped rock on Earth's surface.	Meteorites provide valuable information about the early solar system; some may contain rare elements.
Meteoroid	A small rocky or metallic body in space, smaller than an asteroid, that can become a meteor if it enters Earth's atmosphere.	Rock, metal, or a combination of both.	Originates from comets or asteroids, and can also be debris from collisions.	Usually not visible unless it enters Earth's atmosphere and becomes a meteor.	Meteoroids range in size from tiny grains to large boulders. They are smaller than asteroids.
Asteroid	A small rocky body that orbits the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.	Rock, metal, or a combination of both.	Originates mainly from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.	Appears as a small, rocky, or metallic body in space; typically not visible to the naked eye.	Asteroids vary widely in size; the largest, Ceres, is also classified as a dwarf planet.
Fireball	An exceptionally bright meteor, brighter than Venus, that can be seen over a wide area.	N/A (as it's the light phenomenon caused by a meteoroid)	Occurs when a large meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere.	Appears as a bright, long-lasting streak of light, often with a visible fragmentation trail.	Fireballs are rare and can sometimes result in meteorites reaching the ground.

Reference

https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/perseid-meteor-shower-2024-origin-story-livestream-9504184/

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/perseid-meteor

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/smd/whats-the-difference-between-asteroids-comets-and-meteors-we-asked-a-nasa-scientist-episode-16/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Perseid Meteor Shower:

The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs annually between July and August.
It is associated with the debris left by Comet Halley.
The Perseids are best observed from the Southern Hemisphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 1 and 2 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a) 1 only