KUALA LUMPUR: Stargazers in Malaysia are in for a treat as the Perseids meteor shower will reach its peak tomorrow night (Monday, Aug 12) and may be visible due to another celestial phenomenon.
According to a Facebook post by the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), The Perseids meteor shower is expected to be visible due to the fortunate timing of the Moon setting at midnight, right as it reaches its peak.
The absence of moonlight will give an unobstructed view of the meteors streaking across the night sky.
The event is estimated to last until the early hours of Tuesday (Aug 13) and may be viewed from various directions everywhere.
The meteor shower occurs annually as Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet Swift-Tuttle.
The comet, which was last near Earth in 1992, takes 133 years to complete its orbit around the Sun.
As Swift-Tuttle approaches the Sun, it sheds dust and debris that burns in our atmosphere.
It gets its name due to appearing to originate from the constellation Perseus in Earth's sky.
Mysa advised would-be observers of the phenomenon to find a safe, open area with minimal light pollution and clear view of the sky.
They also advised observers to allow their eyes to adjust to the darkness for about twenty minutes and to keep a lookout in all directions, as it may appear anywhere and at any time.