Perseids

Every year in early August, we can observe the Perseid meteor shower (the Perseids). And its a fascinating sky event.

Heres a beginners guide to what it is and how best to enjoy it. (Perhaps, impress your friends with these astronomy questions and answers!)

What are the Perseids and what is a meteor?

Every year in August, the Earth passes through rock and dust fragments left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, last time it came near the Sun. As these small particles collide with the Earths atmosphere, they burn-up, often creating a startling streak of light across the sky.

You can easily observe this and it can be a wonderous spectacle.

Why is it called the Perseid meteor shower?

The term Perseid, refers to the star constellation of Perseus.
Perseid meteor shower radiant point, above the North-East horizon
View of Perseid meteor radiant point, above NE horizon after midnight

The meteors actually have nothing to do with the stars we see from Earth, as being part of Perseus. It just appears as though the meteors originate from Perseus.

In fact, the rock fragments are close to the Earth thats why they burn in our atmosphere.

They are very close, just a few hundred miles not many, many light years distant like the stars.

But, if you trace-back the bright trails of meteors we see, they appear to originate from the stars of Perseus.

When can you see them?

The Perseid meteor shower actually starts in late July and runs to late August. However, the best time to view is around the peak.

Its not precise, but the 2009 peak is expected on August 12th at around 15.00 hours UT. There is some uncertainty, so its very worthwhile to observe either side of this.

In particular for European observers, the hours of darkness either side the peak hours, may well prove more fruitful! So try the previous Tuesday night, as well as the night of Wednesday 12th.

And there is also a potentially prominent Moon to contend with. It will not set below the horizon until the early hours of the morning. http://iya2009.com/perseid-meteor-shower-peaks-on-tuesday.html

On A Night Like This

artist: Dave Barnes

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Perseids Dave Barnes
• On A Night Like This

[Eminesty]

when this show again?

[gabidra1]

@Eminesty , next year on the same date.

[ijunkie]

Saw five of these tonight over about 20 minutes. Each one was fantastic!

[gabidra1]

Don1t forget this day.Next year you could see more falling stars.

It`s a great universe show!

[meggie590]

Lala tonight!

[andynaik]

Saw around 40-45 in a span of an hour. Very good :)

[gabidra1]

cu multa placere. :)

[snuffying]

ok multumesc mult :)

[gabidra1]

da,sunt din Romania.

Am pus o melodie de pe audio swap,a trebuit sa inlocuiesc melodia preferata de mine din cauza mesajului de la Youtube.

On A Night Like This

artist: Dave Barnes

[snuffying]

bai esti roman? culmea :)) nu stiam :) foarte tare ! ce melodie ai pus?