Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Aug 5, 2013 19:05:00 GMT -6
Perseids Meteor Shower with the Chicago Astronomer Crew
Sunday 11 August 2013
Sunday 11 August 2013
This year's Perseid meteor shower promises to be a good one and the long term forecast calls for a pleasant and partially clear weekend. Already, I have spotted several meteor streaks in Chicago skies since last week...and during the Chicago Astronomer observation on Sunday the 04th, we were spotting plenty.
The Moon will not interfere and the brighter meteors will punch through urban muck nicely.
Details:
We will set-up telescopes by 8pm to share Saturn and other great celestial objects and keep scopes active during the session while the meteor shower streaks overhead.
NOTE: We will not be at our regular Chicago Astronomer Public Observation site, but for a better view of the Perseids, we will set-up scopes just south of the Adler Planetarium building, by the Galaxy rocks.
The Chicago Astronomer Star Party will continue till the extended hour of 12 midnight - a special park closing time for this yearly summertime event.
Misconception:
"You gotta be in a dark location - away from the city to observe meteors."
False.
A great many meteors are easily visible from under Chicago skies and the brighter larger ones leave great trails behind them as they ionize high in our atmosphere. I have even heard some of the larger bolides/fireballs "crackle" as the break up.
Meteors can occur anywhere in the sky, but the radiant or meteor source comes from the Perseus region, laying low in the Northeast at dusk. The best viewings are from Midnight till dawn, as the night side of the Earth faces the stream of comet Swift-Tuttle particles and rams into them.
Saturday, members of the Chicago Astronomer crew will enjoy the Perseids 50 miles away in Indiana, under very dark skies - for some deep sky observation, imaging and catch a great start to the meteor shower....but we will back under city skies to share this uber cool event with our fans and friends Sunday evening.
Grab a blanket or lawn chair wherever you are, but all fans of the Chicago Astronomer are welcome to join us by the lakefront
(As always, all Chicago Astronomer public events are free and open to all.)