Perseid Meteor Shower, Extra-Super Supermoon Vie for Skywatchers' Attention

By Beth Dalbey

What’s the most dazzling celestial show of all this summer?

If it were any other year, the answer would be simple: The spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower, which is already starring in the heavens, and will peak Aug. 11-13.

But another celestial sensation may spoil your viewing pleasure: The extra-super supermoon will brighten the night-time sky on Aug. 10. Of this summer’s trilogy of supermoons, the one rising this month is the brightest, the Washington Post says.

You can’t have it all, skywatchers.

“The Perseid meteor shower is known as one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing fast and bright meteors that frequently leave trains, but in 2014, a nearly full moon will upstage the show,” NASA says.

This is the summer of supermoons, with a trilogy of big, bright Moons in July, August and September. Another rises on Sept. 10.

Supermoons appear to be about 14 percent bigger and around 30 percent brighter than normal. And because the Aug. 10 supermoon will be the closest to the Earth, it is expected to be the brightest.

But that doesn’t mean you should give up on the Perseids celestial event altogether.

Your best bet, according to NASA, is to get as far away from urban light pollution as possible and find a location with a clear, unclouded view of the night sky.

“Once you get to your viewing location, search for the darkest patch of sky you can find, as meteors can appear anywhere overhead,” NASA says.

Some Perseid Meteor Shower trivia:

• Comet of Origin: 109P/Swift-Tuttle

• Radiant: constellation Perseus

• Active: July 17-Aug. 24

• Peak Activity: Aug. 12-13

• Peak Activity Meteor Count: Up to 100 meteors per hour

• Meteor Velocity: 37 miles (59 kilometers) per second

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PHOTO: The Perseids are known as the brightest of the meteor showers, but the annual celestial show is getting some serious competition this year from the extra-super supermoon. (Photo: Flickr)