Explainer: What are Perseid meteor showers?

The Perseid meteor showers, visible every August, originate from the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet, first observed in 1864, orbits the Sun every 133 years and is the largest object to approach Earth repeatedly, aside from the moon. The comet's debris field causes meteors when fragments enter Earth's atmosphere. The best time to view the Perseids is during their peak on August 12 at 2:00 AM EDT.

What is the average number of shooting stars observed during the peak hour of the Perseid meteor showers?

• 20 to 40

• 150 to 200

• 60 to 100

• 100 to 150

When was Comet Swift-Tuttle first discovered?

• 1964

• 2064

• 1864

• 1764

How often does Comet Swift-Tuttle orbit the Sun?

• Every 50 years

• Every 100 years

• Every 133 years

• Every 200 years

What is the diameter of Comet Swift-Tuttle compared to Manhattan?

• Twice the length of Manhattan

• Longer than Manhattan

• Equal to Manhattan

• Shorter than Manhattan

When is the best time to view the Perseid meteor showers?

• August 13 at 2:00 AM EDT

• August 12 at 2:00 AM EDT

• August 11 at 2:00 AM EDT

• August 10 at 2:00 AM EDT