from last year's meteor showerThe annual Perseid meteor shower has arrived! They are visible across Europe and North America for a few days, with the most intense displays on August 12 and 13, after midnight and into the wee hours, with the best times a few hours before dawn.
At the old Sunflower Ranch, hubby and I used to sit on our deck and face the northeast and enjoy the show, even with the ambient city lights glowing all around us. Though these meteors supposedly come from the northeast, we also saw them flaming out over our heads from the south. I'm no astronomer, so I have no scientific explanation for it. All I know is, the display on a clear moonless night is breathtaking -- and you don't have to be in the desert to enjoy it.
Once you have arranged your schedule to have an hour or two under the stars in an area with as little ambient light as possible, look to your comfort and dress appropriately for the overnight conditions. Here, that means a jacket to ward off the dampness and of course insect repellent to enjoy a "bug-free" night out with the shooting stars -- and the mosquitoes.
Finally, choose your lounger, chair, or camp bed and settle in for a comfortable night to enjoy the falling stars!
We've had great "star parties" with friends and food and music -- but it's not a nice thing to disturb the neighbors during the week -- it's bad enough if the party gets loud on the weekend at 3:30am -- but wow, it's a lot of fun! I hope you can try it tonight!
For more information: Wiki definition, Perseid meteor shower 2010, best viewing tips, guide to viewing, more information, planets align for meteor shower.
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