Observing The Perseid Meteor Shower Of 2011
68Perseid Meteor Shower-August 12 to the 14th 2011
Photo of Perseid meteors.
In less than two weeks time, one of the largest firework displays that may be observed from earth; will be unfolding amidst the stars and constellations above us. This is the universes' natural fireworks display that we witness each year around the same time in mid-August. The perseid meteor shower should put on no less of a spectacular display that it has in recent years. During the late evening to early morning hours of August 12th thru the 14th, the majority of ground based observers, will be able to witness this spectacular event.
The best time to begin to view the perseids will be from about midnight until the wee hours of the morning. However low in the northeastern sky, one will be able to observe some meteors shooting across the early evening sky of August. These pre-morning meteors if you will, are given the name crop grazers. Later as the night progresses, closer to 12:00 a.m., one will be able to witness an increase in the amount of meteors and fireballs exiting from the Northeast region of the sky. This area is where the constellation Perseus lies high overhead at midnight as viewed from observers based in the Northern Hemisphere. The perseid meteor shower hence received its name from this point or radiant in the sky, where the most numerous amounts of meteors will be observed with the naked eye. As the wee morning hours unfold, mainly closer to 2:00-3:00 A.M. this is where a number upward of forty to as many as sixty to eighty perseid's can be viewed blazing across the mid-summer skies. Simply stated-The perseid meteor shower is by far the most productive and most famous of all of the annual meteor showers.
They are also the bi-product of a comet by the name swift-tuttle. Usually each meteor shower is associated with a comet, that is responsible for producing debris that cause the majority of meteor showers. These comets stray to beyond the edge of our solar system and can be found in a far off location called the Oort Cloud. So when these comets leave the area of the Oort cloud and stray in closer to our sun and inner solar system. The earth as a result, can end up travelling through the trail of dust related with the comet, causing the meteor shower.
The perseid meteor shower will peak during the early morning hours of August 13th; as earth passes through the debris cloud associated with comet swift-tuttle. Also keep in mind two factors that could make observing this meteor shower, less desirable. One problem, will be that on August 12th there will be a full moon rising in the eastern sky. This is not really the biggest issue, as the weather could be less than perfect to add. Always expect the worse case scenario and hopefully the weather will cooperate. Clouds and rain showers are often a threat to those watching the heavens. But here are a few positive notes to digest as well if you are a pessimist. Number one, is that even though the moon will be full, casting a good amount of glare. There are very bright meteors within this shower, that you will be able to see crossing the sky in the moonlight, regardless of the resulting luminosity.
On yet an additional note-you can begin observing the perseid meteors as early as August 6th to the 8th. Falling stars, or shooting stars actually called meteors, can be seen during midnight and after one week before, until one week after the peak of the perseid meteor shower. One will be able to see more meteors as previously mentioned, closer to the morning hours of these nights. The reason for this is because earth will be entering the heart of the debris field; left from this meteor showers parent comet at about this time. Also do not forget to let your eyes adjust to the night sky for at least ten minutes before scanning the north, northeast skies with your naked eye.
If you are not familiar with the constellations, than I also recommend a good star atlas or chart, which you can find online or at your local library. Once you study the evening sky a few nights before the big event on the 13th, you will have had some practice of what the surrounding constellations look like. Than when you go to look for the constellation perseus, it will for the most part, stick out like a sore thumb. Keep your eyes trained on this region of the sky. Also on one final note, I wanted to mention that even though the majority of the perseid meteors originate from the northeast sky. You should be able to see a good number meteors radiating from other areas of the night time sky as well, that are related to the perseid meteor shower.
Observing meteor showers throughout the year can be a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family. Make sure that you are away from any light pollution. And if there is a lot of light in or around your home town or city, than I suggest you travel to a nearby beach, or even the ocean. There darkness should prevail and you will have even a better view of the skys horizon. If you are not near a beach, than try going to the local park, or simply take a drive out into the country away from city lights. Don't forget to bring a good bug spray or repellant and some lawn or beach chairs. Than sit back, relax and enjoy one of the greatest shows in the universe, and maybe on earth.
Perseid Meteor Shower Educational Video
