There is a meteor shower in the night sky this weekend. Our news channel reported that the morning of August 13 would be best for viewing. I think they are wrong. I went outside tonight, just as I did last night. I see nothing tonight, just as I did last night. I think my eyes start playing tricks on me. Before I know it, all of the stars are dashing across the sky, and I re-focus to see….nothing. Not even one meteor.
With hopes to see one or two exploding fireballs, I did some research and found these pointers:
1. Make sure you know which day the shower will peak.
2. Find out the time of the shower’s peak in your time zone.
3. Watch on the nights around the peak, too.
4. Don’t take the notion of a radiant point too seriously.
5. Find out the shower’s rate, or number of meteors per hour.
6. You must be aware of the phase of the moon.
7. Dress warmly.
8. Bring along that thermos
9. Bring a blanket or lawn chair
10. Relax and enjoy the night sky
Please let me know if you see some meteors! (I’d love to see pictures if you have those, too!)
For more information on tonight’s meteor shower, click here or visit: earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/observing-meteors
Leave a Reply