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Perseid meteor shower will light up tonight’s skies. See what time and where the event will peak.
The Perseid meteor shower will peak Sunday night, giving astronomy fans one of the best shows of 2024 as they look to the skies.
The shower started in July and will continue through most of August, but it will peak overnight on Sunday into Monday, NASA said. The Perseids are considered the “best meteor shower of the year” by NASA, with about 50 to 100 meteors seen per hour under ideal conditions.
What time will the Perseid meteor shower peak tonight?
The best time to catch the Perseids is in the pre-dawn hours, according to NASA, but it is possible to view meteors from this shower as early as 10 p.m.
NASA notes that the Moon will set right as the Perseids start to peak. The Old Farmer’s Almanac details specific moonset times for different ZIP codes across the United States.
Where will the Perseid meteor shower be visible?
The best view of the Perseids meteor shower will be in the Northern Hemisphere. NASA urges astronomy fans who want to check out the shower to get away from the bright lights of cities.
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“Try to get to the darkest location you can,” NASA wrote. “The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky.”
Around 50 to 75 meteors may be seen an hour in darker locations.
What direction should you look for the meteor shower?
Look up! NASA suggests lying on your back, allowing your eyes to adjust to the dark and staying off your phone. There’s no need to look in any particular direction as the meteors can generally be seen all over the sky.
The space agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory said it can be helpful to face roughly northeast as you lie down, but viewers should try to take in as much of the sky as possible because meteors can appear all over.
When will the next meteor shower be?
Two other meteor showers are actually active right now. The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower began last month and will run through Aug. 21. It peaked in late July. The alpha Capricornids, a small meteor shower, also started last month. It will continue through Aug. 11, according to the American Meteor Society.
The next major meteor shower, the Orionids, won’t be active until late September, with a peak in October, according to the American Meteor Society. NASA describes the Orionids as one of the most beautiful showers of the year. The Orionids are known for their brightness and speed.
What are meteor showers?
Meteors — space rocks that enter Earth’s atmosphere — streak through the sky every night, but meteor showers happen less frequently. During a meteor shower, many meteors hit Earth’s atmosphere over a short period of time. When they pass through the atmosphere, the meteors leave behind streaks of light caused by glowing, hot air.
Bob Riha Jr / Getty Images
While most meteors burn up as they fall, some survive the trip and reach Earth. Those surviving space rocks are considered meteorites.
Look up — what else can you see in the sky this summer?
There are two more full moons this summer. August’s full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on Monday, Aug. 19. September’s full moon will reach peak illumination on Tuesday, Sept. 17, just days before the start of fall.
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Rising home prices and high mortgage rates haven’t made buying a home easy these last few years. In fact, with affordability such a challenge, it’s only made shopping around for a lender that much more important.
It’s true: Comparing lenders can make a big difference when it comes to price. According to Freddie Mac, getting just four different mortgage rate quotes can save you about $1,200 per year.
But rates aren’t the only thing you should think about when choosing a lender. Want to make sure you pick the best mortgage company for your needs? See below for some of the best lenders for first-time homebuyers currently on the market.
Lock in a low mortgage interest rate here today.
Best mortgages for first-time homebuyers
Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers, broken down into six categories:
Best for low down payments: Veterans United
Veterans United exclusively offers VA home loans — which means all its loans require zero down payment. Though you’re welcome to put some money down, VA loans are one of the few mortgage options with no down payment requirement.
There is a catch, though: You’ll need to be a current military member, veteran, or spouse of one to qualify. Certain service requirements must be met as well. If you can do it, though, you’ll save yourself money both upfront (on the down payment) and in the long haul, as VA loans tend to have lower interest rates than other loan options.
Learn more about Veterans United here now.
Best for good credit: US Bank
If you have decent credit, US Bank might be a good option for your mortgage. The lender offers conventional, FHA and VA loans, and its rates are some of the lowest of lenders we analyzed. You can also apply fully online and get valuable closing cost discounts if you use other US Bank services.
Best for low credit: Cardinal Financial
Cardinal Financial is a good option if your credit score is on the lower end. The lender allows for scores as low as 620 on conventional loans and 580 on FHA, VA, and USDA loans. There are also jumbo loans — if you’re buying in a high-priced market or eyeing a more expensive property — and construction loans for buyers looking to build their own homes from the ground up.
Best for no lender fees: Better.com
Most lenders charge a variety of fees for processing your mortgage. These might include an origination fee, application fee, underwriting fee, and more. With Better.com mortgages, you won’t see any of these charges. The online lender charges no lender-side fees for underwriting, servicing, or originating its mortgages. There are other typical closing costs, though.
Best for online borrowing: First Mortgage Direct
First Mortgage Direct is a fully digital mortgage lender that lets you manage your mortgage process from start to finish all on the web. You can get a rate quote online, fill out an application, submit your documentation, and even close digitally, too. The lender also offers many online resources to help you along the way — things like informative videos, calculators, articles and more.
Best overall: New American Funding
New American Funding has something for everyone: conventional loans, government-backed loans, jumbo loans, construction loans, non-QM loans and more. There are even loans with customizable terms and options that can turn you into an all-cash buyer to make you more competitive. The lender also has a 4.1-star rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot.
Always shop around
Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, shopping around for your mortgage is important. If you need help doing so, consider enlisting a mortgage broker. These professionals can shop around on your behalf, help you compare lenders and loan options and ensure you get the best rate.