TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's most prominent celestial displays, is set to reach its peak this week, with a new moon expected to create especially dark skies for stargazers. As reported by NBC News, the meteor shower will peak overnight from Wednesday, August 12, into Thursday, August 13. New Moon Creates Better Viewing ConditionsThis year's peak comes with an added advantage: the Moon will be in its new moon phase, meaning its illuminated side will face away from Earth. The best viewing conditions are expected in the early hours before dawn, when the constellation Perseus — the shower's radiant — is higher in the northern sky. Meteor Shower Coincides With Solar EclipseThe Perseid peak will coincide with another major celestial event on August 12: a total solar eclipse.