Every year, from the middle of July until the last week in August, the skies of the northern hemishpere put on a show of shooting stars that, this year, peaks in intensity today and through this weekend.
The Perseid meteors, so called because they seem to radiate from the Perseus constellation, are debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet and have been seen and noted for 2000 years.
The constellation is named after Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, who killed the Gorgon Medusa. The constellation "looks" like Perseus with medusa's head in his hand.
The show of shooting stars will be quite spectacular this year, with nearly 90 per minute - way above the average of 60. Also, the moon will set fairly early which improves viewing. EarthSky website has information and tips for watching the show.
So, those lucky enough to have clear skies tonight can join those in observatories, on hill tops, and in backyards around the world to enjoy what is arguably THE "Starry Night" in the northern hemisphere.
The show of shooting stars will be quite spectacular this year, with nearly 90 per minute - way above the average of 60. Also, the moon will set fairly early which improves viewing. EarthSky website has information and tips for watching the show.
So, those lucky enough to have clear skies tonight can join those in observatories, on hill tops, and in backyards around the world to enjoy what is arguably THE "Starry Night" in the northern hemisphere.
