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Perseid Meteor Shower 2012
What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?
The Perseid meteor shower is one of nature’s best and amazing shows. It is an opportunity to see the night sky light up with streaks of light. This annual celestial event is typically the most visible meteor shower for Northern observers, and best of all, you can make plans to watch it.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of nature’s best and amazing shows. It is an opportunity to see the night sky light up with streaks of light. This annual celestial event is typically the most visible meteor shower for Northern observers, and best of all, you can make plans to watch it.
When is the best time to view the Perseid Shower?
This year, a waning crescent moon should emit little obstruction when viewing the Perseid meteor shower. You may see meteors from anywhere between July 23 and August 22. Keep in mind though that the pre-dawn hours are usually the best time to see them. This year, the “peak” of the shower will occur in the early morning hours after midnight of August 12 until dawn, and at the same period on August 13. You may see up to 60 meteors or more per hour during the peak.
This year, a waning crescent moon should emit little obstruction when viewing the Perseid meteor shower. You may see meteors from anywhere between July 23 and August 22. Keep in mind though that the pre-dawn hours are usually the best time to see them. This year, the “peak” of the shower will occur in the early morning hours after midnight of August 12 until dawn, and at the same period on August 13. You may see up to 60 meteors or more per hour during the peak.
Where should I look to see them?
To see the Perseid meteor shower, it would be best to look in the Northeast direction of the night sky. You may notice the meteors tend to fly away from a common point, called the radiant. This particular radiant lies within the Perseus constellation, hence the name Perseid meteor shower. The ideal viewing sites are at dark areas away from the bright city lights.
To see the Perseid meteor shower, it would be best to look in the Northeast direction of the night sky. You may notice the meteors tend to fly away from a common point, called the radiant. This particular radiant lies within the Perseus constellation, hence the name Perseid meteor shower. The ideal viewing sites are at dark areas away from the bright city lights.
Do I need any special instruments, like a telescope, to view the shower?
A telescope is not necessary but it is best to avoid the bright city lights, which can cause light pollution making it difficult to see the night sky. You would want to enjoy the show, so you might like to bring a comfortable chair, a blanket or jacket to keep you warm, some drinks and snacks, and perhaps some company to point out the meteors you might have otherwise missed.
A telescope is not necessary but it is best to avoid the bright city lights, which can cause light pollution making it difficult to see the night sky. You would want to enjoy the show, so you might like to bring a comfortable chair, a blanket or jacket to keep you warm, some drinks and snacks, and perhaps some company to point out the meteors you might have otherwise missed.
For more information on Perseid meteor shower, visit Spacedex.
