Most active meteor shower of the year set to peak this weekend

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By Nasima Khatun

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This is a PSA for all space lovers - and trust me, you're not going to want to miss this one as the most active meteor shower of the year is set to peak this weekend.

According to Forbes, the Perseid meteor shower is set to take control of the skies and beyond this weekend so if you're ready to witness all that is good and celestial, then we've got all the details ready for you.

GettyImages-1149940258.jpgA major Perseids Meteor Shower is set to hit this weekend. Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez (noctografia)/500px/Getty

When is the Perseid meteor shower going to hit?

The Perseid meteor shower has already started, giving us glimpses of shooting stars ever since July 14, and is set to last until September 1.

However, it will peak on the night of Sunday, August 11, through Monday, August 12 so the best advice we can give you is based on the American Meteor Society, who stated that the peak is going to occur around 04:00 UTC on August 12.

Where is the best location to watch the Perseid meteor shower?

According to a report published by NASA, This year's Perseids will be slightly impacted by a 53% waxing moon though this won't prove to be much of an issue as it will hopefully set by the time the shower starts.

It's important to note that the number of "shooting stars" actually varies every year; there can be as little as a few dozen per hour, but some rare years bring a brief "burst' of up to two hundred an hour!

Other tips

NASA also suggested that if you want to have the best viewing experience then make sure you check the weather before you head out so early in the morning, wrap up because it might be cold and be prepared!

There's nothing worse than thinking it's summer and being hit with an unforgiving wind at 4AM in the morning, am I right? So before you head out, make sure you've checked the temperature and are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.

GettyImages-2048814779.jpgNASA have advised people to go to a rural area to be able to see the shooting stars better. Credit: Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images/Getty

The second tip is to get out of the city because even though it's scheduled to be clear skies, you want to be able to experience the celestial phenomenon fully and that means no lights.

So get yourself to a dark and rural location this weekend and get ready for one of the best space events this year has to offer.

The final bonus tip is to try and organize a meteor shower party to find like-minded folks who will be gagging to see some shooting stars.

This will make the experience that much more enjoyable and also ups the safety protocols if you're in a group.

GettyImages-1167678695.jpgTwo people watching a meteor shower. Credit: Harpazo_hope/Getty

Venturing out on your own at that time of the morning, especially into areas where it will take more time for help to get there is not the best idea. Plus, who doesn't love a party, am I right?

So there we have it folks, make sure you're ready with your wishes because it's set to be one hell of a night.

Featured Image Credit: Diana Robinson Photography/Getty