Each year around mid-August the Earth passes through the debris trail of
the comet Swift-Tuttle, producing a modest but reliable meteor shower
that's a popular one because it's such a comfortable time of year to be
outside at night.
This year we have two factors making it especially attractive:
- Earth is passing a bit more toward the center of the debris trail, and
more debris hitting the Earth's atmosphere means more meteors.
- The new moon comes in during the peak of activity, Aug. 12-13, meaning
the sky will be dark so you can see more meteors.
From space.com:
"The August Perseids are among the strongest of the readily
observed annual meteor showers, and at maximum activity
nominally yield 90 or 100 meteors per hour," said Joe Rao,
SPACE.com's Skywatching columnist. "However, observers
with exceptional skies often record even larger numbers."
If you're in the American southwest or the Australian outback you'll
have ideal viewing conditions if you can get away from the city, since
the dry desert air minimizes the risk of overcast skies.
But as long as the skies are clear just about anywhere away from the
light pollution of cities should be a good time. Grab a bottle of wine
and a good friend to sit under the stars and enjoy the show.
Details on this year's Perseids:
<http://www.space.com/spacewatch/070712_perseid_meteors.html>
<http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/11jul_greatperseids.htm>
--
Richard Gaskin
Managing Editor, revJournal
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