Thread by @AccuAstronomy

An astronomical double-header is about to unfold in the night sky this week, including one of the must-see celestial events of the summer: bit.ly/3QgUyqi

2. Stargazers have seen an uptick in meteor activity since late July, and activity will continue to increase leading up to the peak of the Perseids on Thursday night: bit.ly/3QgUyqi

3. The Perseid meteor shower is usually one of the best of the year with 60 to 100 shooting stars per hour under ideal conditions, but it will have some competition in the night sky this year. bit.ly/3QgUyqi

4. The final #supermoon of 2022 will rise on the same night that the Perseids peak, with the moonlight washing out all but the brightest meteors. The full moon in August is also known as the #SturgeonMoon: bit.ly/3zPqzii

5. This is the 3rd and final supermoon of the year, appearing slightly bigger and brighter than other full moons. The next supermoon will not rise until July 3, 2023. bit.ly/3p7Wo0K

6. Experts say that the Perseids will still be worth a look despite the supermoon. “Meteor rates will still be better than 95% of all other nights this year,” scientists at the American Meteor Society said: bit.ly/3QgUyqi

7. Here are some tips for watching the Perseids:
• Focus on dark areas of the sky without the moon in sight
• Don’t look at any sources of light, such as cell phone screens
• Meteor shower is active all night, but best after midnight
bit.ly/3zK1t4A

8. The best stargazing weather on Thursday night is predicted across the West Coast, central Plains and part of the Great Lakes, Ontario and Canada.
Clouds will be an issue for many other skywatchers: bit.ly/3QgUyqi

9. The excitement in the night sky doesn’t end with the Perseids and the supermoon. Here are the top astronomy events to look for through the end of August: bit.ly/3vVkj7E