The peak of the Perseids is almost here, but the run-up to it is going to be a bit dampened by the pesky Moon. Our natural satellite reaches its fullness tonight, which means if you were planning to go meteor hunting this weekend, you will have to contend with its glaring light for most of the night. This doesn’t mean it's impossible to catch a meteor, or even "fireball," but it won’t be the best time to do that. That will be next week, when the peak viewing hits.

The Perseids are considered the best meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere because they are both impressive – known for the occasional bigger, longer, and brighter fireball – and reliable. They happen in the middle of summer, they are bright, and often numerous enough to deliver a grand spectacle. The peak this year is expe

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