Viewing Astronomical Events in Las Vegas

The Perseids is the name of a meteor shower from the comet Swift-Tuttle. They are called Perseids because the meteors radiate from the constellation of Perseus. The Comet Swift-Tuttle has a 130-year orbit around the sun. You can view the meteor shower yearly. The meteor shower begins July 17 and lasts through August 24th, with peak activity between the days of August 9^th and 14^th. During the peak, the rate of meteors can reach 60 or more per hour with the best times between midnight and dawn.

The Perseids are also called "Tears of St. Lawrence", because August 10 is the date of that saint's martyrdom. Laurentius was martyred on August 10^th by the Romans in 258 AD on an iron stove.

There will be a new moon in 2010 during the peak times of the meteor shower, which makes it an ideal event to attend because the moon won't wash out faint meteors.

Watching for the Perseids consists of lying back, gazing up into the stars, and waiting. It is best to watch the point halfway between the radiant and the zenith, although you won't miss the shower just by gazing anywhere in the North Eastern skies.

Reviewing and familiarizing yourself with the brightest constellations will quickly help you identify the part of the sky to concentrate on. The Pleiades (cluster of 6 stars), Cassiopeia (looks like a big M) are very easy to distinguish in the sky. If you cast your gaze toward this area you will not miss the show.

A useful tool is the program Stellarium.

In 2010 during the peak days of the Perseids Meteor shower you are also able to view other astronomical events, for instance, at sunset looking toward the western skies, you will be able to view Saturn, Mars, Venus, and the setting new moon. Just before sunrise the International Space Station is also visible.

Viewing the Sky in Las Vegas

Just as long as you are not under the Strip lights or Downtown you will be able to view the brightest of the meteor shower. If you can see the stars you will get to see some meteors. Of course the further you are away from the city lights the better the show. Try to choose a viewing area with the least amount of city lights, trees and buildings. Although if you have to settle with obstructions, try to set up your viewing area gazing somewhere at or around the Perseus constellation and use the trees and/or buildings to shield out in coming light sources. Give your eyes plenty of time to get used to the dark.

If you are looking for total pitch black outdoors, all that is needed is to drive to the outskirts of town to get away from most of the light pollution. Consider your next sky viewing at one of these locations.

Lake Mead is only 30 miles South East of Las Vegas. An ideal place to experience total dark sky viewing. You can take Lake Mead Boulevard to North Shore Road which will lead you to many safe areas around Lake Mead like Calville Bay, Echo Bay, Boulder Beach, and the road even leads you to Valley of Fire State Park (another great viewing area). You can also get there by Lake Mead Drive through Henderson.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is another close and great destination away from the Las Vegas Lights. Saturday, Aug 14, 2010 the Las Vegas Astronomical Society had member telescopes set up to view the sky. It was held from 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm at the Visitor Center.

Mt. Charleston offers several campsites, picnic areas, and trails that provides yet other perfect viewing spots for the Perseids and other sky events.

Jean Dry Lake is 22 miles south of Las Vegas off I-15

Borrow Pit on Lee Canyon Road. The turn-off to the observing area is about 10 miles up Lee Canyon Road on the right.

White domes is a moderate-level hiking trail in Nevada's Valley of Fire.

http://spaceweatherradio.com/

Clear sky chart

Astronomy Portal