Catch A Falling Star This Week

By Juanie Prisbrey
Moapa Valley Progress

It’s August and it’s time for the return of the Perseid Meteor Shower, also known as August’s shooting stars. The annual meteor shower is extremely regular in its timing and considered by many to be the best shower of the year.

Although the meteor shower can be visible for weeks, it will peak this week in the morning hours from midnight till dawn of August 12 and 13.

This year is projected to be a great year for watching the Perseid meteors since the waxing crescent moon will set early in the evening. This leaves a dark sky, essential for watching the meteor shower.

These fast and bright meteors radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus, and were observed as far back as two thousand years ago in Ancient Europe. But don’t worry if you don’t know exactly where Perseus is located. The meteors appear in all parts of the sky and may peak at 60 or more meteors per hour.

All you need in order to enjoy the show is a dark sky and a comfortable place, such as your backyard.

Experts suggest an area away from pollution and big city lights, so we potentially have front row seats to the show here in Moapa Valley.

You may want to lie on a blanket or reclining lawn chair with some optional equipment such as a camera or binoculars. Remember, since the shower gradually builds to a peak on August 12-13, you may have better luck stargazing on the nights leading up to the peak rather than after. After the peak, the meteors decline rapidly in number and brightness.

Don’t miss the brilliant show going on this week in your own backyard!