Skywatchers are excited as the most popular celestial event of the year, Perseid meteor shower will grace the skies this weekend. The phenomenon is quite famous among stargazers and gets a lot of attendees. This year, Perseid meteor will shower from the skies on the nights of August 11 and 12. Interestingly, in some countries, Mars and Saturn will also be visible during the time.

It is a known fact that stars are better viewed in a dark night's sky. The pollution and lights of the cities dull the dramatic performance up in the skies. For better viewing experience, NASA recommended looking towards the sky from suburbs or the countryside. It will take 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the night sky.

According to Space.com, the recently accredited Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in the United States of America, which has the country's darkest skies is one of the best places to catch the meteor shower. Perseid Meteor Shower 2018 Date: Here’s All About the Most Popular Celestial Event of the Year

The Perseids occur every year in mid-August as Earth passes through the debris trail left by the Comet Swift-Tuttle. The Perseids got their name from the constellation Perseus they come from.

Sky enthusiasts can also head to Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado which is hosting a Night Sky Festival during this time. Attendees will be explained in detail about perseids which start appearing from mid-July and peak in mid-August. Around 60 to 70 meteors are expected per hour during the shower.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2018 12:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).