Meteor showers are some of the most popular skywatching events
each year. The Perseid Meteor shower (expected to be visible from August 11-13)
will be more impressive this year than last year.
A meteor shower occurs
when Earth travels through specks of debris from comets or asteroids. These
pieces of dust and debris hit Earth's atmosphere at scorching speeds and
disintegrate in flashes of light. This is why meteors are often called
"shooting stars," because of the way they streak across the sky.
So, what is the best
way to watch a meteor shower?
The key is to have a
dark sky. For urban skywatchers, this means getting as far away from dense city
centers and light pollution as you can. Ideal conditions for viewing a meteor
shower include a clear, unclouded night sky with little to no natural
moonlight. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower falls right between two full
moons, cooperating for meteor shower viewing enthusiasts.
It's also important to
dress appropriately for the occasion, so be sure to bundle up for the cold
overnight temperatures – it’s usually best to watch after midnight. Pack a
blanket, compass (look towards the NORTHEAST sky), bug spray, and snacks.
Mittens or gloves and a warm hat are also a good idea for those who feel the
cold at night. Planning a camping trip at this time is a great option!
Then, prepare to
exercise a little patience. NASA astronomers advise watching for at least half
an hour. While some displays can showcase meteors at rates of up to 100 per
hour, others will take a little more time. Use your naked eyes. When watching a
meteor shower, there's no need to use a telescope or binoculars because they
will limit the amount of sky you can see at one time. Pick a dark patch of the
sky, but don't necessarily fixate on one specific spot.
We at Under One Umbrella are also unique shooting stars. Come and visit
our website at www.underoneumbrella.com Do not be worried...“The sky is not falling” (Thomas Leonard)...go ahead and “create your own visual style….let it be unique for
yourself and yet identifiable for others.”(Orson Welles)...because "Fashion is not
something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the streets;
fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” (Coco
Chanel).
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