Friday, August 8, 2014

Where to See It: Supermoon, Perseid Meteor Shower to Illuminate the Sky

By Katy Galimberti, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer
August 8,2014; 9:08PM,EDT
 
 
The summer sky is set to illuminate with impressive power as two astronomical phenomena strike at the same time.
The Perseid meteor showers flash across skies annually in August when the Earth passes through debris trails of shattered comets. Set to peak Aug. 11-13, this year's event coincides with a Supermoon, a moon that shines 30 percent brighter than a normal full moon. The Supermoon will begin to reach fullness on Sunday, Aug. 10.

ADVERTISEMENT
While the Supermoon, more traditionally referred to as a perigee full Moon, will be 14 percent clearer than a full moon and brighten the skies to a heightened level, the increase in light will make for trickier viewing of the meteor shower.
Perseids are considered the prime meteor shower of the year due to the length of the wakes of light and color that trails behind them making for a compelling show on Earth. The moon's expanded brightness will compete with the showers making for less clarity of the soaring space debris.
The Perseids show broken pieces of comets barreling through the sky each summer. (Photo/NASA/Michael Menefee)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said that the prime sky-watching periods will fall during night and early morning hours of Tuesday and Wednesday. Clouds pose the largest threat to visibility concerns according to AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Mark Paquette.
"A dark sky free of clouds is best to seeing meteors and you want to try and be as far away as possible from light pollution," he said.
Finding a location far from city lights and even street lights will enhance views. NASA recommends lying flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up. It will take roughly 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust and be able to catch a glimpse of the meteors.
RELATED:
AccuWeather Astronomy Blog
PHOTO: US Corn Crops Shine With Fluorescent Glow
Will Strong Solar Flares Disrupt Cell Service?

Many areas across the country will feature favorable skies to witness the initial stages of the Supermoon across the Northeast, Southwest and West Coast. Those in the Southeast and Midwest may be fighting with thunderstorms Sunday evening making for poor visibility with clouds hampering the sights. The Mid-Atlantic region may also have difficulties.
As midweek approaches and the Perseids peak, the Midwest could still be dealing with storms that inhibit prime viewing. Storms hitting the Northeast could obstruct skies and pose a threat to those hoping to catch the meteors.
On Social Media
Doug Dirks
cbcDougDirks
Perseid meteor shower peaks near supermoon cbc.ca/1.2730471 Hear more from our eye on the night sky Alan Dyer on @CBCHomestretch #yyc
Science Friday
scifri
Today: Worried that the supermoon might drown out the Perseid meteor shower? Why not listen instead? scifri.me/V2py10
Sherry Swensk
sherryswensk
Taking a break from monsoon storms. Sunday's Supermoon & Perseid meteors will keep us watching the skies! Good? #8NN pic.twitter.com/OGqzYlgcdP
Grand Rapids Press
GRPress
Ugh: Clouds could hamper Michigan's super moon and Perseid meteor shower viewing chances ow.ly/A7933 pic.twitter.com/YTWdkSzb12
Everything Georgia
GAFollowers
NASA says Sunday will be the brightest & largest supermoon of the summer; Wednesday will be the peak of the annual Perseids meteor shower.
Avanti Arts
avantiart
Super Moon Sunday, along with the Perseid Meteor Shower should be pretty amazing! Mother Nature will really be putting on a show.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment