If you have clear skies on the nights of August 11th and 12th, look out for the Perseid meteor shower. Scientists say the shower will peak between Wednesday, the 11th, and Saturday, the 14th, with amateur astronomers being able to see up to 100 meteors an hour on Thursday night alone.
The shower is created from the Earth travelling through a river of debris from an ancient comet. This produces the display of shooting stars called the Perseids. The display is thought to be called that because it appears to stream in from the direction of the constellation Perseus. However, can appear in any part of the sky.
The new Moon this week means there will be no overpowering moonlight to spoil the show. If the weather cooperates, you can look forward to viewing many of the bright meteor streaks as they burn up in the upper atmosphere at speeds of more than 225,000 km/h.
You don't need a telescope, though that or a good pair of binoculars, will only enhance the experience. Here in the U.K., we're not holding our breath. The weather is notoriously uncooperative, with the last really good "show" being almost a decade ago. Pity the poor astronomical society.
Anyway, grab a deck chair, comfy blanket, what have you and look up!
Thanks to
NASA and
EarthSky for the info!
