NASA has developed an application for iPhone and Android that will help in counting meteors and transferring the results of the amateurs' counting to the agency: "We expect a rate of hundreds of meteors per hour" says Bill Cook from the NASA Meteorite Center. The Perseids always put on a good show."
On the nights between August 11 and 13, the best meteor shower of the year will appear in the late night sky, hundreds of "shooting stars". In addition, the brightest planets in the solar system will line up in the center of the display.
The record peak is expected on the night of August 12 when Earth will cross the debris trail of comet Swift-Tuttle.
"We observe a rate of hundreds of meteors per hour," says Bill Cook of NASA's Meteorite Center. The Perseids always put on a good show."
The Perseids will be visible in the sky after 22:00. The best time for observation will be during the dark hours just before sunrise. However, Cook suggests staying away from city lights if possible. Pale meteors are easily lost in the urban glare. Visiting rural areas will typically triple the number of meteors seen.
This year's observation will be special mainly due to the planets. Jupiter, Venus and the crescent moon will align just as the Perseid shower reaches its peak. The show will take place in the eastern sky before sunrise in the three mornings when a high frequency of meteors is expected.
On August 11, the moon, which is about 33% as bright as a full moon, will shine near Jupiter, temporarily creating a bright pair over Venus. The red giant Aldebaran will also be around and add a pop of color to the gathering.
On August 12, the moon's strength will be only 24% and it will stabilize between Jupiter and Venus, together they will form three consecutive bright points in the sky that will be interrupted from time to time by passing meteors.
On August 13, the meteor will begin to weaken but the planets will put on their best display. A 17% Moon will cross the sky less than 3 degrees from Venus when Jupiter hovers overhead.
Cook recommends counting the passing meteors in our field of view, NASA wants to know these numbers. Numbers of meteors collected by amateur astronomers could be used by NASA's Meteor Office in investigating the Perseid debris stream model.
"We have developed an application for Android and iPhone that will help amateur astronomers count meteors in a scientific way and report the results to us," says Cook. "It is called the 'Meteor Counter'" and is available for free on the App Store.
For information on the NASA website
Meter viewing events at the desert ashram site - Nir Lahav and Yoav Landsman
The event of the Israeli Astronomical Society and the Eilot Regional Council in Timna Park
18 תגובות
About the same hours but according to your clock, because the earth moves and with it the relevant constellation
I am in Goa, India. Three and a half hours before Israel time. When should you look??
I have a recommendation for everyone:
Everyone who goes out into the desert should wrap the flashlight in red cellophane paper
So that the light does not penetrate the eyes strongly....
What time do you have to be there to set up the tent?
On 13/12/12 will there be a shower of meteors in the Jerusalem mountains area
What time should you leave from the center to arrive early?
Dana
No, from tonight you will no longer see meteors in the sky.
I apologize if this is any comfort to you. But it's not our fault. Simply, the position of the earth in space in relation to the angle at which the meteors pass is such that it is possible to see them in limited periods of time. The deadline required to see them on Earth has already passed, and the next time will happen in the future. Of course, if you want to watch shooting stars, you can turn on Channel 2 when they broadcast Born to Dance. 🙂
Inside the city you can hardly see usually only very bright meteors. This could be less than the expected meteor of one per hour, unless this year the shower is particularly strong. The urban haze hides the weak meteors (which are the vast majority).
It is recommended to get out of any urban area, to a place where there is no urban haze. For those who don't have a car, this is a problem.
Does anyone know if today, on the night between Monday and Tuesday 13/8-14/8, it will still be possible to watch the meteors??
Thanks..
As if tonight it will be impossible?!
Not any more..
Does anyone know if they can be seen in Bat Yam?!
Itzik,
I just want to comment that there must be another way to write what you wrote (want to date children...):)
want to go out with kids
Does anyone know what time to leave? And where should you go in the central area, Sharon, Shafla or the Jerusalem mountains?
Do you know of a recommended site in the Sharon area for viewing?
Does anyone know what time tonight the peak of the meter will be?
Excellent! Thanks!
Yes, today is the peak
Does anyone know whether it will be possible to see the Perseid shower in the sky tonight (between Sunday 12/8 and Monday 13/8)?