Perseidid

Perseidid is an uncommon alternative term used to refer to the Perseids, a well-known annual meteor shower produced by debris from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. In most sources, the event is described simply as the Perseids, with Perseidid appearing mainly in older or regional texts. The shower’s radiant lies in the constellation Perseus, which gives the phenomenon its name.

Activity and timing vary each year, but the Perseidid/Perseids typically run from mid-July through late August, with peak activity occurring around August 11–13. At peak in dark-sky conditions, observers can see dozens of meteors per hour, while full-moon nights or bright skies reduce the rate. The meteors are known for their speed, traveling about 59 kilometers per second, and for producing bright, sometimes long-lasting fireballs. Most Perseids are caused by relatively large dust grains that burn up in Earth's atmosphere, creating streaks that last a fraction of a second to a couple of seconds.

Origin and structure: the debris originates from the dusty trail left by comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. The shower is relatively persistent because Earth repeatedly intersects the dense regions of this trail. The intensity and visibility of the Perseids depend on viewing conditions, including moon phase, local light pollution, and atmospheric clarity.

Observation tips include finding a dark site with a broad sky view, allowing 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust, and watching after midnight when the radiant rises higher in the sky. The Perseids are popular for their reliability and visibility in both hemispheres, though southern observers may see fewer meteors due to geometry.