Article Posted on : - Aug 10, 2010

A NASA photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): The annual Perseid meteor shower will cast its magical spell on Earth on August 11 and 12 when it reaches its peak.

The meteor shower will occur when Earth wades through a “swarm of dust” shed by periodic comet Swift-Tuttle in the constellation of Perseus.

This will create beautiful fireworks in the sky, according to astronomers.

A good time to see Perseids this year is before dawn on Wednesday morning, August 12, when Earth’s front windshield is overhead, said NASA.

What will make this year’s Perseid shower breathtaking is the full Moon whose interfering glare would be below the horizon in early evening, the space agency said.

If the sky is clear, then skygazers can enjoy the celestial treat when the little flakes of dust from the comet burn up in Earth's upper atmosphere and result in spectacular flashing flares.