The source of the Perseids is Comet 109 / P Swift-Tuttle. Every year, the Earth enters the stream of particles left by the comet on its path around the sun. Cometary grains no larger than a pea, rushing at a speed of about 60 km / s, fall into the Earth’s atmosphere, burning in a fraction of a second, and the result is the so-called “shooting stars”.
Their name comes from the constellation Perseus. Within it lies a radiant, i.e. a point on the celestial sphere from which meteor paths seem to diverge. The Perseids are also called “St. Lawrence’s Tears”. The martyrdom of this saint is celebrated on August 10.
Perseids 2021. When and how to observe “shooting stars”?
Perseid apogee, commonly known as “the night of the shooting stars”, falls on the night of August 12-13. The show should start around 21.00.
You do not need specialized equipment for observation, but it is worth preparing for it properly. The key point is to check the weather. If the sky is overcast, nothing will come of our “hunt” for Perseids. However, if the conditions in the sky are good for us, it is worth finding a good observation site.
It should be away from other light sources. It is best to go to the outskirts of the city or to the countryside. However, if we do not have such an opportunity, we have to go to a place above the lanterns, such as a terrace or a roof.
Look to the northeast
It is most convenient to observe the sky in a lying or reclining position, so it is worth taking a blanket or a deckchair with you. In addition, you also need to know where to look to see the place from which the meteorites will arrive. Hunters of “shooting stars” on the territory of Poland should turn their eyes towards the north-east.
To better observe the Perseids, you need to get your eyes used to the dark. If we have previously stayed in a brightly lit room, it may take several dozen minutes.
Source: gazeta.pl/focus.pl/urania.edu.pl
Also read:
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This article was first published on Fakt’s website on August 5, 2021.
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