The famed Perseid meteor shower will peak between the nights of August 11 and 12. It is possible the highest activity will be on the night of August 12/morning of August 13.
However, a bright Moon will interfere with viewing, even from normally dark locations. Still, a few very bright meteors should still be visible.
To observe this shower, get to a dark spot, get comfortable, and bring blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky. The meteors will seem to fly out, or radiate, from an area in the sky in between Cassiopeia and Perseus, towards the North/Northeast (see illustration). These meteors originate from the dusty tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle as the Earth crosses its old orbital path.
However, a bright Moon will interfere with viewing, even from normally dark locations. Still, a few very bright meteors should still be visible.
To observe this shower, get to a dark spot, get comfortable, and bring blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.
You can use the free Meteor Counter app to record your meteor count and participate in NASA's LADEE mission! Available for iOS devices at http://meteorcounter.com/
Radiant of the Persieds, courtesy EarthSky
Date: Tuesday, 8/12/2014
