We had the blue moon, we had the dark side of the moon in pictures sent directly to us by a NASA team and now our eyes will have the chance to gaze in wonder at the upcoming meteor shower. The Perseids will soon be coming, covering the sky in translucent light and let the stars play with their brilliant sparkle.
We live in the world where everything is connected, the moon, the stars, the eyes and the skies will showcase their spectacular uniqueness for us to sit on our backs and be happy to witness such amazing events. Because of the light of this new moon, if you look up into the sky on the nights of August 11-14, you may see no less than 90 meteors an hour shower through the celestial ceiling.
According to recent estimates, the 2015 Perseid meteor shower will peak around August 11. The new moon will appear on the night sky on August 14. This combo will create the perfect scenery for watching the meteor shower.
Wait until the sky is darkest, as you will be able to see all the sparks, twinkles and light bursts that happen there. Most astronomers suggest that depending on the Moon’s phase, “the best time to view the meteor shower is right before dawn”.
The Perseids name evolved from the constellation of Perseus, that one which provides us with the view of an amazing meteor shower. Perseus was the Greek hero who beheaded the venomous, snake-headed Medusa. Medusa was quite a strong character and a challenging partner for a battle, as gazing directly into her eyes turned onlookers into stone.
This time of the year is perfect for enlightenment, as in ancient times it was believed that shooting stars are a gift from the gods, symbolic of illumination and enlightenment.
From a more scientific perspective, the meteor shower happens when the Earth passes through the dust from the tail of Swift-Tuttle, a friendly comet that passes by near to Earth. Debris trailing the object become visible as blazing waves of light the moment they enter our planet’s atmosphere. This can result in no less than 50 sightings per hour, which is a truly captivating spectacle.
According to recent declarations from NASA, there could be as many as 80 meteors per hour at the peak of the shower. We will have the chance to witness a unique event, namely the brightest of all such meteor events. So keep calm and look up at that meteor shower!
Image Source: enstarz.com
