Face northeast, look overhead, for Perseid radiant point
8 comments Print Me Email to FriendTonight's Sky for Monday, Aug 11 2008
Before dawn, the constellation Perseus – radiant point of the Perseid meteor shower – is overhead. That’s why – before dawn on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12 and 13, 2008 – the meteors will be raining down from the top of the sky.
Lori wanted to know, What’s the best time to see the Perseid meteor shower? The Perseids rise to a peak steadily over the early weeks of August, then fall off in numbers rapidly after the peak. The peak mornings this year should be tomorrow and Wednesday. The moon is in a waxing gibbous phase now, and it’s prominent in the sky for most of the night. That’s why it’s important to watch for the Perseids before dawn.
Like bright moonlight, city lights can completely blot out a meteor shower. So if you want to watch the Perseids, be sure to get away from city lights.
Here’s more on the science and history of the Perseid meteor shower. By the way, you might hear some very specific times for the peak, for specific locations. Unless you’re in one of those locations, ignore those times. Just aim for a dark location between midnight and dawn on Tuesday or Wednesday morning. If you do that, you’ll probably see some meteors!
Dear friends of Earth Sky Org,
It ia amazing and many will learn more from your information and direction.
Thank you
David
hey guys!
can you guys help me on where northeast is in the sky?
i cant find polaris or any star thatll guide me in a direction so thanks!
Jay,
Since the sun sets in a general westward direction, about-face of sunset is pretty much east. As you’re facing eastward, extend your arms sideways. Your left hand is pointing northward and your right hand is pointing southward. As you’re facing east, northeast is to your left, midway between east and north.
The moon sets in the southwest in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow (August 12). The direction opposite of moonset is northeast. For the setting time of the moon in your sky, use the links on our almanac page. The best viewing of the Perseid shower is after moonset and before dawn.
Good luck!
Bruce
Hello, we study the night sky in third grade on the seacoast in New Hampshire. Can someone give me some cool ideas for teaching about the night sky? Thanks
I have always felt so special and lucky! You see, my birthday is August 12 and each year I receive the wonderful gift of a meteor shower. What more could I ask for?!
Anyone have some good suggestions for viewing the meteor shower in Chicago?
Anyone have some good suggestions for viewing the meteor shower in Chicago?
Hey! we can’t watch the persieds meteor shower live becuse we live in the city, you could put in a sky watch, where you watch the night sky when there are meteor showers and planets showing, so the people in the city can watch as well as people in the country. Does any one viewing this page like this idea? if so comment. bye!