The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower that occurs every year in late July and August.
They are associated with the Swift-Tuttle comet, which leaves behind a trail of debris as it orbits the Sun.
When Earth passes through this debris trail, the particles, known as meteoroids, enter the atmosphere.
and create bright streaks of light in the sky, commonly referred to as "shooting stars."
Radiant Point: The meteors of the Perseids appear to originate from the constellation Perseus, which is how the shower got its name.
Timing: The peak of the Perseids usually occurs around August 12-13 each year, but some activity can be observed for several days before and after the peak.
Debris Size: The meteoroids responsible for the Perseids range in size from grains of sand to pebbles.
Comet's Orbit: Comet Swift-Tuttle has an orbit that brings it close to the Sun roughly every 133 years. Its last close approach was in 1992.