(CNN) This season's blockbuster isn't showing in theaters, it's lighting up the skies overhead. The annual Perseid meteor shower, which is known for some of the brightest shooting stars, is slated to happen this week, giving stargazers the opportunity to view this year's most anticipated meteor shower. This month's celestial event may be even more spectacular because of an increased rate of meteors, according to NASA. "Forecasters are predicting a Perseid outburst this year with double normal rates on the night of August 11-12," said Bill Cooke with NASA's Meteoroid Environments Office in Huntsville, Alabama. "Under perfect conditions, rates could soar to 200 meteors per hour."The Perseids will be visible across various regions in the Northern HemisphereThe best nights to view the meteor shower are August 11, 12 and 13
It takes about 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, so you'll need to set aside some time to watch the _. Despite being known for its bright meteors, the _ are best seen under true dark skies like the ones you'll find in national parks or rural areas. For reference, May's Eta Aquarids meteor shower had a rate of 10 meteors per hour -- slim pickings compared to the _' light show.