The best view of the Perseid meteor shower is after a full moon until just before sunrise . The annual sky spectacular happens when our planet 's orbit around the sun passes near Comet Swift-Tuttle 's path , which goes by every 130 years . The at least 2,000 years sky show happens when Earth passes near Comet Swift-Tuttle 's path . Bright streaks are `` interplanetary dust '' burning up as it collides with our atmosphere . The meteor show is entertainment for most , but a research chance for NASA .
The best view of the Perseid meteor shower is after a full moon until just before sunrise . The at least 2,000 years sky show happens when Earth passes near Comet Swift-Tuttle 's path . Bright streaks are `` interplanetary dust '' burning up as it collides with our atmosphere . The meteor show is entertainment for most , but a research chance for NASA .