10 Amazing Things You Should Know About the Perseid Meteor Shower

The most consistently reliable meteor shower--the Perseids--peaks tonight. Under clear, dark, unobstructed skies you might see 60 to 100 meteors an hour. And this year, nature is cooperating: The moon is a thin crescent that does not rise until dawn, meaning that the astronomical sky will remain wonderfully dark all night through. (Clouds are another matter; getting away from buildings, trees, and city lights is all up to you.) For tips on how to watch the Perseids, read through this helpfu