INDIANA – This summer, while many amateur astronomers typically anticipate the dazzling Perseid meteor shower, a significant lunar presence will dim its usual brilliance.
A waning gibbous moon, just three days past its full phase, is expected to hamper observations of the Perseids seriously.
However, local stargazers have an excellent opportunity to turn their attention to four lesser-known meteor showers that are poised to peak between July 29 and August 16. These often-overlooked displays, all but one of which will benefit from darker skies, offer a compelling alternative.
Summertime meteors, generally, are pretty active and noticeable from early July through the last week of August. Specifically, between August 3 and August 15, observers can expect to see no fewer than four distinct minor meteor displays active in addition to the Perseids.
