Israel braces for Perseid meteor shower spectacle

The year's most prolific meteor shower will peak in Israel during the night of Wednesday, with forecasts of up to 150 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, the Israel Space Agency reported.

The Perseids, named for their radiant point in the constellation Perseus in the Northern Hemisphere near Cassiopeia, will be visible to the naked eye without optical aids. Observers are advised to lie on their backs and face northeast for the best viewing.

The Israel Space Agency is organizing free public viewing events at locations listed on its website. The agency recommends traveling to areas with minimal light pollution and has published a map showing pollution levels to help residents identify nearby suitable sites.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is also providing free overnight camping facilities for the occasion.

Optimal viewing conditions are expected due to a new moon that will eliminate moonlight interference. The meteoroids will enter Earth's atmosphere at approximately 36 miles per second, appearing as "fireballs" Streaking across the sky.

Meteor activity will intensify as the night advances, with peak rates occurring around midnight and in the pre-dawn hours.