Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Perseids Are Coming!

Here's a heads up: the  Perseids -- probably the best meteor shower for viewing from the USA -- will peak on August 12 -- after 9:30 pm, ET.  The show should get even better in the wee morning  hours of the 13th.

If the weather cooperates, I'll be outside staring at the sky -- for a while at least. At 1 or 2 in the morning, even a shooting star every minute can't keep me awake for long.

Still, it can be a pretty amazing sight. And if you make a wish on each falling star. . .



(These images are all from Photobucket.) 
Posted by Picasa


19 comments:

Jinksy said...

Guess we could all do with wishing on a star occasionally! :)

Martin said...

Even though we have scientific explanations for these spectacular events, for me, there's still enough mystery and magic to warrant a wish. I hope the skies stay clear for you, Vicki.

Lelia Taylor said...

Thanks for the heads-up, Vicki. I love seeing these but had forgotten it's almost time!

Reader Wil said...

I hope we can see this here too! It's most interesting and incomprehensible and very beautiful!
Thanks for your visit and comment! Yes, Daphne du Maurier is one of my favourite authors too! I love "Jamaica Inn" and "The loving Spirit", but actually all her other books as well.

Pat in east TN said...

I always look forward to these every year, but have to enjoy the 'early show' ... no way can I make it til the wee morning hours of the 13th.

Elora said...

If you've ever seen one, you'll never miss another. We saw the Leionids a few years back and the show was unbelievable. The planets this year, are aligned within a ten-degree segment just before the Perseids make their entrance. You should be able to see Venus, Jupiter Saturn and Mars if I remember correctly, all within the ten-degree segment looking toward the west, I beleive. So it's a double show this year.

Elora

Brian Miller said...

so magical...i have always been fascinated with the night sky...learned the constellations when i was really young...will be out making my wish. smiles.

Vicki Lane said...

The weather is hazy this morning -- not a good lookout for Perseid viewing -- but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

I'll be out there, too, Vicki - if the mosquitoes don't carry me off! Clear skies, Liz

Suz said...

I will be looking
thanks for the reminder
oh of course, wish

Deanna said...

Thanks for the heads up. Now to remember...

jennyfreckles said...

I'd love to see that - but even if we perhaps could, there is too much light pollution here to see many stars. Make a wish for me!

NCmountainwoman said...

We were lucky enough to be at the beach one year to see the Perseids. Absolutely amazing.

chiccoreal said...

Dear Vicki: There are the perseids and then the winter meteor showers are called...oh damn too hot to think! All I know is that I hope one lands in my yard so I can collect a lot of money! They look like burnt rocks. So if you notice any, who are we suppose to call? Maybe your meteor will unlock the secrets of the Universe! If not give you the keys! Good luck on all those wishing on that "falling star". It's the Perseids! The Greek god of what?

Paul C said...

We once saw the best meteor shower at a provincial park far from city lights. Must try to take in this show if it's not sold out.

Friko said...

Wish we could have some too, 1 or 2 in the morning sound a perfect time for me.

Such miracles must not be ignored, we can sleep some other time.

joanna said...

Vicki

Yes every year I look forward to this spectacular display. Thanks for the reminder to look up and smile.

Cheers,
Joanny

Vicki Lane said...

We just had a (very welcome ) thunderstorm and the skies are overcast. Maybe it will clear after midnight -- but I doubt it -- lots of humidity in the air. Getting a little rain though -- that takes care of one wish!

The Geminids(Ithink) is the name of the winter meteor shower. And Perseus wasn't a god (I don't think) but the hero who slew Medusa.

Tipper said...

Well I missed it! But I was probably too pooped to look at it anyway : )