The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower is Guaranteed to Dazzle

The annual Perseid meteor shower is sure to deliver a particularly exciting show this year due to minimal moon interference. Many areas of the continental United States are predicted to have clear skies which will also enhance stargazing. The planet Mars will also be visible in the northeastern area of the night sky. Try some of these tips to get the most out of this stellar show.

Try and find a very dark area of sky for prime viewing. Industrial or very bright lights can limit what you will be able to see. If you live in a larger city you might want to consider driving out to a more rural area. Bring along some friends, a few lawn chairs and a cooler of refreshments for the ultimate meteor shower party. You may also want to bring along a sleeping bag to help protect you from dew and bugs. Remember to give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the dark. No telescopes or binoculars are needed since the best way to view meteor showers are with the eyes alone. Try making a meteor count by making a mark on a clipboard and paper or notebook whenever you see a "shooting star". You can also try photographing this event with your digital camera although results may be mixed. Refer to this link from Space.com for more details on meteor shower photography.

While Perseid meteor highlights will occur most often this weekend, meteors will be viewable at night through the next week. You will spot the most activity during the hours right before sunrise. The times around 2:00 a.m. seem to be popular for peak displays. If you can't stay up through the night, try setting your alarm clock early. You'll be rewarded with a sparkling early morning treat.

Keep an eye on the eastern part of the sky. This will be where the most meteor activity occurs. A compass will come in quite handy to help you find this area.

Did you know that meteors make sound as they pass through the earth's atmosphere? Check out meteor shower audio coverage provided by NASA.

Watching this years Perseid meteor shower can be an opportunity for you to take part in an activity that many people find enjoyable and relaxing. You might find that there is nothing quite like resting in your favorite chair while feeling the cool evening breeze and watching the spectacular out-of-this-world display in the summer skies. Have fun and enjoy this yearly occasion along with a worldwide audience of millions.

Source: Earthtimes.org