페르세우스 유성우, 5주간 밤하늘을 밝힐 예정

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and saw a bright line of light cross the darkness in one second? That is a shooting star. Soon, you will see many of them.

The Perseid meteor shower will happen over the next five weeks. This is one of the best light shows in the sky all year. Every summer, Earth moves through space and passes through old rocks and ice. These pieces fall into our atmosphere. When they fall, they burn and make bright light. We call these falling pieces "meteors."

The name "Perseid" comes from the Greek god Perseus. Long ago, people looked at the sky and told stories about the gods. They saw the meteors come from the same direction in the sky. They named the shower after Perseus. Today, we still use this old name.

You do not need special tools to watch the meteors. You do not need a telescope or a camera. Just find a dark place away from city lights. Lie on the ground and look up. Your eyes will adjust to the dark in about twenty minutes. Then you will see the shooting stars clearly.

The best time to watch is late at night, after midnight. The sky will be darkest then. If you live in a city with many lights, drive to a dark area outside the city. Even a small park can work. Bring a blanket or a chair. Stay warm and comfortable. Watch for one or two hours. You may see many meteors in that time.

This natural light show is free and beautiful. It happens every year, and you only need your eyes and patience. Did you know that people have watched this same shower for hundreds of years? Right now, somewhere in the world, someone is looking up at the same meteors you will see.

Will you take time to watch the night sky this summer? Where will you go to see the meteors?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.