Where's the radiant point for the Perseids?
6 comments Print Me Email to FriendTonight is Thursday, Aug 07 2008
With the 2008 Perseid meteor shower due to peak on the mornings of August 12 and 13, people are asking, How can I find this constellation in the night sky, so that I can see the meteors?
The Perseid meteor shower is named for the constellation Perseus the Hero. Today’s chart shows Perseus ascending over the northeastern horizon around midnight. Yes! You have to stay up late to see this constellation. That’s why this meteor shower is better after midnight: because after midnight, the radiant point for the shower is above the horizon.
Notice the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia just above Perseus. The constellation Perseus is faint, but Cassiopeia is noticeable and can help you find it.
But the fact is that you don’t need to find Perseus to see the Perseid meteor shower. If you go outside to a dark location after midnight, the meteors will be flying in all parts of the sky. Monday morning (August 11) might be good, yielding some meteors. But Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (August 12 and 13) will probably be better, with more meteors flying in clear dark skies.
Still, if you trace the paths of the meteors backwards in the sky, you will see that they are radiating from a single point. And that point is the constellation Perseus.
Many people look forward each summer to the Perseids. This shower always peaks at this time of year, and it reliably produces 60 or more meteors per hour at its peak, or an average of about one a minute. It’s great fun to give meteor-watching a try! It’s a chance to go to a dark site with friends and family – a chance to see some stars and enjoy the night air – and see some meteors. Just be sure to find a spot away from city lights. A wide open view of the sky is best.
I don’t think I have ever seen a meteor shower before
Thank you this is the best info. i have had,and i watch stars nearly every night.
Thank you this is the best info. i have had,and i watch stars nearly every night.
Brittany, you should check it out! Be sure to go somewhere really dark … out in the country.
Eather, thanks!
Deborah
Dear Brittany White,
As an Astrophysicist I can say with certainty that Meteors are very shy people and they tend to shower with curtains drawn or the bathroom door shut; but every so often you can see one shower. Ha Ha Ha, enjoy the shower and I hope you liked my juvenile joke. J (not a real Astrophysicist)
I can’t wait to see the continuation of the shower tonight :D