The month of August brings with it a number of astronomical phenomena, from the Blue Supermoon to one of the most spectacular star showers of the year: the Perseids.
According to the Star Walk website, the Perseids are considered the best meteor shower of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Although this phenomenon began on July 17th, it still lasts until August 24th. But when is its peak? And what are the tips for good observation?
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What are the Perseids?
The Perseids meteor shower takes its name from the constellation of the same name, which arises from comet 109P Swift Tuttle, discovered in 1862.
Every year, it leaves a trail of debris that burns up when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a luminous effect called ‘shooting stars’.
When will activity peak?
According to the Star Walk website, the peak of this shower of stars is during the warm summer nights, more specifically during the night of August 12-13.
During this period, in good weather conditions, it may be possible to observe no less than 100 meteors per hour, especially in areas far from large urban centers and with little light pollution.
Tips for observing the Perseids
If you want to take lots of pictures, or simply contemplate the sky, then it’s important that you follow some of these tips:
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Choose an observation site away from light pollution, the best being rural and mountainous areas;
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Wait about 20 to 30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the darkness;
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Use apps such as Star Walk 2 and Sky Tonight to locate the radiant in the constellation of Perseus
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In addition, it is useful to take a reclining chair or a blanket to look at the sky more comfortably.
As fotografias captadas no Observatório Dark Sky são do outro mundo