A Good Year for the Perseids

By travel

7/18/2013, 2:53:30 AM

****This was from a blog written and posted a few weeks ago, but now that we are getting closer to the event, I wanted to remind everyone****

I know it is a bit out in the future, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up on the Perseid meteor shower this year. The moon will be in a waxing crescent phase on the nights of Aug. 11 and 12, and the moon will be setting in the mid-evening, so we will have no moon to drown out the shooting stars after midnight when the show really gets going. Thus, this may be one of the best viewing Perseids in recent memory.

So, get to your favorite dark sky location, bring some coffee, tea or hot chocolate to drink, your favorite chair to be comfortable and some blankets to stay warm if it is a bit chilly and get ready for nature's show!

Starting around midnight, you should look to the northeast. Many of the shooting stars will seem to come from between the constellations Cassiopeia and Perseus. Please see the diagram below.

Get to your favorite dark sky location and look to the northeast after midnight. Image courtesy of Earthsky.org

You can leave your comments, as well as be part of a community where discussions on any astronomy subject, when you join AccuWeather's Astronomy Facebook Fanpage by clicking here. We are now over 26,100 likes. Tell your friends about this site and blog and have them weigh in on some exciting issues. We encourage open discussion and will never criticize any idea, and no negative conversation will be allowed.

The experts on this Facebook page will keep you up to date on any astronomy-related subject. Please feel free to share your opinions.

And please keep the astronomy pictures coming. They have been simply amazing. Ask questions, share comments, share anything.

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

Comments

Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.

Astronomy blog

Full Thunder Moon this weekend

Astronomy blog - July 08, 2017, 6:07:55 PM EDT
Viewing the MIlky Way

Astronomy blog - June 28, 2017, 6:16:41 PM EDT

When and where to look to find the Milky Way. Plus some background information about our galaxy.
Astronomical summer begins

Astronomy blog - June 21, 2017, 1:28:14 PM EDT

Astronomical summer began just after midnight. The strongest solar rays of the year are felt across the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, winter begins in the Southern Hemisphere.
Summer Constellations Guide

Astronomy blog - June 09, 2017, 5:42:44 PM EDT

A look at the constellations in the night sky during the summer months.
Strawberry Moon pairs with Saturn

Astronomy blog - June 09, 2017, 4:18:32 PM EDT

Watch the moon rise next to Saturn this evening. Check out a few pictures of this month's Strawberry moon!
Jupiter and the moon tonight with summer constellations

Astronomy blog - June 03, 2017, 8:52:05 PM EDT

The moon will pair with Jupiter tonight. Also, take a look for a few constellations while you're outside tonight!
Astronomy Guide to the rest of the Memorial Day Weekend

Astronomy blog - May 27, 2017, 6:37:16 PM EDT

You don't need high-tech astronomy equipment to enjoy the night skies this weekend. Here are a few things to take a look for if you find yourself outdoors.
Memorial Day weekend astronomy viewing guide

Astronomy blog - May 26, 2017, 5:57:53 PM EDT

While you relax this holiday weekend, here are a few things to take a look for in the night sky!