The best meteor shower of summer belongs to the Perseids. The entire shower lasts from July 14 to Sept. 1, with the peak period being the night of Aug. 12 into the morning of the 13th.
However, the nights before and after should still result in a spectacular cosmic show. The first quarter moon will set on the 12th around 11:30 p.m. local time, and at midnight on the 13th.
With the lunar glow gone, conditions will be ideal to see the estimated 90 meteors per hour, which will include a few bright fireballs. Away from the glow of city lights, the band of our Milky Way galaxy will be revealed. The planet Saturn will rise after 9 p.m., with the pair of Mars and brighter Jupiter visible after 1 a.m. Any astronomy cell phone app will show their positions.
Both are closest (conjunction) on the morning of Aug. 14, with a separation less than the width of the full moon. Enjoy these sand-sized particles of Comet Swift-Tuttle as they safely vaporize in the atmosphere at about 72 kilometres per second.
What a great way to spend vacation time at your favourite campsite or cottage!
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 60 Canadian radio stations as well as various television stations across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and on his website at www.wondersofastronomy.com.
