The mid-July to mid-August light show comes from the tail of comet Swift-Tuttle, which swings around the Solar System every 130 years or so, depositing debris in Earth’s orbit as it nears the Sunday.
Advertisement
During the beach and kayak events, Delestrez will be on hand to discuss both the meteor shower and constellations, as well as planets, visible in the night sky.
The Perseid meteor shower is perhaps the most beloved meteor shower of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.
This time of the year is ideal for enlightenment, as in ancient times it was believed that shooting stars are a gift from the gods, symbolic of illumination and enlightenment. They are typically fast and bright meteors.
A picture showing the sky at night during a Perseid meteor (left) shower, with a meteor streaking across the sky over St Loan Medieval Church near the village of Potsurnentsi in Bulgaria on August 12, 2013. Thankfully, this year’s peak is going to be on a moon-free night!
The name of the meteor shower does not come from the comet, as one might expect, but rather from the constellation of Perseus, where they are formed.
The trick is finding a dark sky on a cloudless night.
Instead of sitting in a chair or standing and craning your neck – which can get pretty tiring after a while – grab a lawn chair or a blanket so that you can lie down. Most astronomers suggest that depending on the Moon’s phase, “the best time to view the meteor shower is right before dawn”. It is best to find a wide open space away from tall buildings or trees, and with as little artificial light as possible.
“I would recommend if you want to go out and see the Perseids, make your way into the mountains”, said Benjamin.
But its most interesting display will be on August. 13, Thursday at 4 a.m., where at least 100 meteors per hour are expected to brighten the sky.
Advertisement
The meteors will appear in flashes and may be visible without the need for telescope or binoculars. So keep calm and look up at that meteor shower!
