COREtney Angelina (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} iideal_ideology) wrote,@ 2007-08-12 19:04:00 |
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When to Watch:
In 2007, the best time to observe the Perseids is from 1-5 am during the mornings of Sunday, August 12 (Note that this is the night that starts on Saturday, August 11) and of Monday, August 13. If you do not want to watch during sleeping hours, try observing on the evening of Sunday, August 12. You should be able to see a handful of meteors if the sky is clear. To see the best observation times in your location, see meteor flux estimator. This year, the Moon is nearly new, and its absence means a dark sky that is particularly favorable for viewing.
Clouds prevent one from seeing meteors so that if you are particularly keen in wanting to see the Perseids this year, then adopt the following strategy: Try to watch during the night of August 11-12; If clouds are present, then try for August 12-13.
If it is cloudy on both nights, you might want to check out the Aurigids that peak on September 1. Jupiter Scientific will post a brief report in mid August. So, if you are interested, check back at our website then.
Where to Look in the Sky:
The meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, which, in North America, rises in the evening in the northeast. You need not look in this direction, however. The Perseids are noted for their long trails and should streak across much of the night sky. Look anywhere from 30 degrees to 80 degrees above the horizon and about 45 degrees away from the constellation Perseus.
Where to Watch From:
The best place to observe meteors is in an open area (a field, a golf course, etc.) that is unobstructed by trees or other structures and that is far away from lights (streetlights, city lights, etc.). The darker the sky the better. Thin clouds or mist will greatly reduce the number of meteors that one can see. If there are clouds, don't stay up.
How to Watch:
It is best to lie in a reclining chair. Otherwise, lie on a blanket with a pillow. It is easy to get a stiff neck if one is sitting vertically or standing. Bring a sweater just in case it gets chilly. Don't use binoculars or telescopes – just gaze at the heavens with your eyes. You will see streaks of light shooting across the black sky. You will see most meteors directly; but you will sometimes see others out of the corner of your eye. If you are very lucky, you will witness a fireball, a very bright meteor with a small disk. Some fireballs break into several fragments.
What to Expect:
Every year, the Perseid provides amateur astronomers with a delightful natural display. With excellent viewing conditions, you should see about one meteor per minute at the peak! Even if you are not observing under optimal circumstances, which is likely to be the case, you can expect to see about 25 meteors per hour.
