Perseid meteor shower to offer a spectacular show this weekend

The Perseids are already underway, though with lesser frequency than at their peak.

Astronomy Educator Gary Boyle says the shower happens at the same time each year and people will have two nights to see the Perseid.

Here's how to catch it. The number of shooting stars will increase daily until August 12, when the meteor shower reaches its peak. It has a nucleus of about 16 miles wide and last passed by Earth in 1992, however, Earth passes through the dust and debris it leaves behind every year, which is what creates the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid Meteor Shower will occur the evening of August 11, and is set to be the best opportunity to see shooting stars this year. The comet only orbits the sun once every 133 years, but the debris can be seen every year in the summer months.

Boyle says the meteors, which are shooting starts are the size of a grain of sand and some of the bigger stars can generate fireballs that light up the sky and ground.

To see the Perseids, look to the north.

The best place to view them is getting out of the city lights and get a spot where you can see as much sky as possible.

How can I view the meteor shower?

The weather this weekend should be favorable for viewing and with a new moon phase Saturday to very thin crescent moon Sunday, producing a very dark sky, will help us see those streaking meteorites.

During the peak, skywatchers should be able to see the most meteors in the shortest amount of time. The meteor shower can be seen until August 24, according to NASA.

To enjoy the Perseids, you don't need any special equipment - only your eyes. He added that it takes at least 30 minutes for human eyes to adjust, so be patient and that you can expect to be outdoors for a few hours.