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Perseid Meteor Shower Should Light Up Baltimore's Sky

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A rare sight unfolding in the sky Wednesday night! The Perseid meteor shower is at its peak Wednesday into Thursday and this time should be one of the clearest views in years. It's going to look like it's raining meteors.

Rick Ritter is with dozens of people hoping and waiting to catch a glimpse.

The goal is to get away from the city, lights and humidity and get into an open area so you can see the sky the best. Experts estimate you can see up to 100 meteors per hour, making it one of the best viewings in years.

As the sun goes down in Howard County, many are eager to catch a glimpse of one of the most vibrant meteor showers in recent history.

"It's just so special to see. Sometimes you can see that one and people around you don't see it," said Shannon Blair.

But with a coinciding new moon and clear skies, many around the country are getting more than just that.

Dr. Parviz Ghavamian is an astrophysicist with Towson University.

"They call them Perseids. Perseids comes from the name Perseus," he said.

Breaking down the buzz of Wednesday's shower, which drew large crowds to the conservancy in Woodstock.

"It's almost a new moon; it's a thin crescent so there won't be any moon tonight. It's going to be dark," Ghavamian said.

He stressed just how rare it is.

"This is all dust particles left over from a comet that passes through our area of the solar system once every 133 years," he said.

Images of meteors from other parts of the US and countries like England have already surfaced online. Many are thrilled just to be a part of history.

"We actually already saw a couple," said Colin Bliss. "It's just nice to be out here, making a few wishes every time you see one."

Experts say the peak of the show should be around midnight until 3 or 4 a.m. They say there might be some action Thursday night, as well.

Experts say the last time the Perseids peaked at the same time as a new moon was back in 2007.

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