'Spectacular' Meteor Shower to Pass Earth This Week

Fox ^ | Aug 11, 2009

[RDTF]

The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on a good show this week for those willing to get up in the wee hours of the morning and wait patiently for the shooting stars.

In North America, the best time to watch will be between midnight to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, but late Tuesday night and also Wednesday night could prove fruitful, weather permitting.

The Perseids are always reliable, and sometimes rather spectacular. The only things that puts a damper on the August show are bad weather or bright moonlight. Unfortunately this week, as the Perseids reach their peak Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the moon will be high in the sky, outshining the fainter meteors.

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The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn Wednesday. Forecasters say the best stretch could come between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET, which would be after daybreak in Europe. Some Perseids might be visible late Tuesday night, and Wednesday night into Thursday morning could prove worthwhile, too.

Meteor forecasting is still in its infancy, however, so the best bet for anyone truly hungry to spot shooting stars is to get in as much observing time as possible from around 11 p.m. Tuesday night until dawn Wednesday, and if you miss that show, try the same time frame Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

Meteors should be visible in the pre-dawn hours, weather permitting, all around the Northern Hemisphere

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[patriciaruth]

I saw one beautiful shooting star, but I was only out for about 15 minutes. The moon and the street lamps may have interfered with the less spectacular ones.

It was worth it. Thanks for the heads up.

[Theo]

Phooey, I’m just seeing this thread now. I wonder if there’ll be anything to see tonight?

[TexGuy]

Ummm....my wife just said that's the Persians, dorkhead.......

Then your wife should work on her ability to detect sarcasm ...

[TexGuy]

BTW, Just joking ...

[thecodont]

“Spectacular” doesn’t begin to describe it. It was breathtaking. Just looking at the sky tonight I was in awe at G-ds creation. The meteor shower was one of the best I’d ever seen in my life.

So sorry I missed it this year! Foggy cloud cover here in east SF Bay Area. But I have seen them at other times, once a brilliant red fireball--WOW! I hope for clear skies next year. :) Glad you were able to enjoy the show.

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[Lakeshark]

As was she.

Your line made her laugh, so we had to post that back.