The annual Perseid Meteor Shower is taking place this week, but this year that’s only half the story. This time you can expect the planets to align right before the shower begins on Thursday.
NASA’s website tells us more:
The show begins at sundown when Venus, Saturn, Mars and the crescent Moon pop out of the western twilight in tight conjunction. All four heavenly objects will fit within a circle about 10 degrees in diameter, beaming together through the dusky colors of sunset. No telescope is required to enjoy this naked-eye event
There’s also a small constellation map to help you find where to look. It all starts after dark, and after 10pm the planets fade in time for the meteors to begin. Depending on where you are, you might see two per minute, or only a couple all night. Wednesday night and all weekend is still good viewing time, in case you can’t get out on Thursday.
Earth & Sky has a few suggestions for those trying to find the meteor shower in the next few nights. As expected, get as far away from light as possible (which may mean leaving the city), bring binoculars, be patient, and if at all possible look up awhile before dawn when the meteors will be the most frequent.
The shower is caused by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which is scheduled to have a near-miss with the earth in 3044. Be prepared.
(Photo via The Baltimore Sun.)
