by Gary Boyle
The best meteor shower of summer belongs to the Perseids. The entire shower lasts from July 14 to September 1 with the peak period being the night of August 12 into the morning of the 13. But the night before and after should still result in a spectacular cosmic show. The first quarter moon will set on the 12th around 11:30 pm local time and midnight on the 13th.
With the lunar glow gone, conditions will be ideal to see the estimated 90 meteors per hour including a few bright fireballs. Away from the glow of city lights will reveal the band of our Milky Way Galaxy. The planet Saturn will rise after 9 pm with the pair of Mars and brighter Jupiter after 1 am. Any astronomy cell phone app will show their position. Both are closest (conjunction) on the morning of the 14th 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 at your favourite campsite or cottage.
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer”, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker and former columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a STEM educator. He has been interviewed on more than 60 Canadian radio stations as well as television 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 his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com
