As every summer, the Perseids show is repeated and they have been happening for several weeks now. The Earth crosses its orbit with the debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet and these small particles collide with the atmosphere at speeds reaching 200 km/h and temperatures of more than 1000 °C.
And this astronomical phenomenon that is generated in front of our eyes is called the Perseid shower, also popularly known in Spain as “The tears of San Lorenzo” because of the proximity of its peak of activity to August 10, the day of the feast of the martyr.
when can we see the Perseids in Valencia?
The Perseid spectacle will be visible this year throughout the northern hemisphere during the second week of August, according to data from the International Meteor Organization (IMO), although can already be observed timidly on some nights as a function of light pollution.
It is precisely this wide time frame during which it can be observed that has made the Perseids one of the best known and most popular phenomena, according to the Astronomy Department of the National Geographic Institute (IGN).
This year, the best time to observe this star shower will be the night of August 11-12: this phenomenon will register its maximum activity on the night of August 11, although the real peak of activity will be at 7 a.m. universal time, 9 a.m. on the Peninsula. On that day, the moon will be in crescent.
This phenomenon will be can continue to be seen on subsequent nights.
where to see the Perseids in Valencia?
In Valencia there are a multitude of gardens and natural spaces to see this phenomenon. However, we recommend that, if you can, you go to Aras de los Olmos a municipality specialized in the study of space or the best beaches near Valencia.
The Starlight Foundation, which identifies spaces with an advocate for night sky quality and access to starlight, also recognizes the Alto Turia the city of Valencia, in the interior of the province of Valencia, is one of the best places to see this phenomenon.
If you stay in Valencia, choose a spot with low light pollution to enjoy the experience. On the website of Light Pollution Map you can consult a map with the points with the highest and lowest light pollution, to choose the one closest to your home.