lNature has so many beautiful things to offer us. mantramantra Birds in the morning. Roar of deer in the middle of the forest. the noise of Wave’sWave’s on the rocks. northern lights in the high sky latitudeslatitudes, and rain offalling starsfalling stars, They’re both spectacular to look at and so simple to watch that it would be a shame to deprive yourself of them. Especially when one of the most spectacular of them happens in the middle of summer.
Key Tips for Observing the Perseids
This shower of shooting stars is one of the most beautiful the astronomersthe astronomers call them PerseidsPerseids, It can be enjoyed from mid-July to mid-August. In this year 2023, the peak of its activity is expected between the evening of August 12 and the morning of August 13. Only three days before the new moon and therefore, very favorable for observing, with the promise of naturally dark skies. And even more so, at the center of a potentially long weekend of August 15. There will be some excuses for missing. except, perhaps, a fad weather reportweather report,
To prepare yourself for observing the Perseids, first check the forecast in your area. Avoid making your evening plans when the sky is cloudy. The weather forecast can also give you an idea of night temperatures – the end of the night, as before sunrise, is the most favorable time for viewing the shooting star shower. Because, when you are lying down for a while, it is better to cover yourself accordingly. So that the cold doesn’t spoil your fun. Plus, a lounge chair will save you from parcel tortillas. And the company of some friends or family will also complete the idyllic picture.
All on the condition that you get a clear spot. At least on the eastern side of the sky. The show will start from here. A clean place and protected from light pollution as much as possible. it can be just as harmful the cloudsthe clouds, At that time some of the 100 shooting stars already announced will be so faint that we will not be able to take advantage of them…
Night’s Placements of the Stars Around the Perseids
If you feel like a bit more of a poet, you can also opt for a gathering “Starry Nights”, There are some events held all over France – see a map of events here, but don’t forget that unsolicited meetings can also be held in towns near you “label” On the occasion of the Perseids. And this from 1991 till now. It will be an opportunity for astronomers – enlightened amateurs at least – to meet and share their passion. around, often, glasses or TelescopeTelescope, No equipment is needed to view the bursting star shower. But that night may be your opportunity to discover other wonders in the terrestrial sky.
Where do the Perseid falling stars come from?
What these gatherings of starry nights can teach you about the Perseids is that we owe them CometComet, His nickname: Swift-Tuttle. No, because it passes by the Earth every year in the middle of summer. But because our planet, in its race around SoleilSoleilAt that point, it passes through a spot—located on the edge of the constellation Perseus, hence the name Perseids—where the comet has ejected millions of tiny debris along its path.
When this debris, usually the size of a grain of sand, and in any case no bigger than a pea, enters our AtmosphereAtmosphere, they ignite. And reveal what we commonly call a shooting star. The vaporization is the result of these small pieces of comet under large impact VitseVitse and friction with our environment.
Also note that another shower of shooting stars will share the bill with the Perseids in August. Kappa-Sygnids. To peak on August 18, 2023. The topmost point to differentiate them would be their point of origin. The last appears to have fallen from the Cygnus constellation. And even though they are few in number compared to the Perseids, these falling stars are often very bright. another reason…
The Perseid meteor shower has begun!
Take advantage: You can participate in the annual meeting of lovers of falling stars until August 24. All you have to do is raise your head!
article of Camille AuchèreCamille Auchère Published on 07/27/2023
Wait until it’s completely dark, around 10:30 p.m. right now. Isolate yourself in a protected space light pollutionlight pollution, and provide a deck chair. raise your head and open your eyes eyeseyes, it shouldn’t take long. That’s it: little streaks of light follow each other across the sky! You participate in the Perseids. This event returns every year between July 17 and August 24. This year, the peak (or maximum) of activity should occur on the night of August 12 to 13. Observed since ancient times, shooting stars are better known than in the time of the Greeks, but scientists are far from cracking all the mystery surrounding these tiny meteors.
What is the origin of Perseids?
What we do know at the moment is that when a comet passes close to the Sun, it leaves behind a cloud of dust that remains To revolve aroundTo revolve around around the star. When the Earth – which is orbiting around the Sun – passes some of these dust clouds during its journey, they get blown apart in a burst. It is the interaction between meteorite swarm debris and Earth’s upper atmosphere that forms a bursting star. Each year, Earth passes through several meteor showers, at least eight of which are large enough to start the famous meteor showers. Perseids One of the Most Important Meetings of the Year GeminidsGeminids (December): During maximum, there is theoretically an average of one shooting star per minute! Theoretically because some are not bright enough to be visible, while others are hidden from our light. of nightof night,
It remains to be seen why the Perseids were baptized with this name: it is quite simply because the cloud is located at the level of a point called “the Radiant” in the constellation of Perseus. Now, get ready: you have … a date with a beautiful night of fabulous stars!
As it happens every year in August, the very famous maximummeteor swarmmeteor swarm of the Perseids. This is the most famous flock, as it is one of the most spectacular.
article of franc menantfranc menant Published 10 August 2004
When a comet passes close to the Sun, it leaves behind dust that hangs in space. During its revolution around the Sun, the Earth passes through this cloud of dust. When a particle of dust enters the atmosphere, it ignites and gives rise to a luminous trail. It is also called meteor or falling star. Throughout the year, Earth is swept across many of these clouds, called swarms. The duration of their activation depends on their density. Any period of activity coincides with a maximum, i.e. the time when the most meteors occur per hour.
The Perseid meteor shower was active from July 17 to August 24. It is also called the “Tears of St. Laurent” because its maximum occurs around St. Laurent (August 10). Comets come from the passage of Swift-Tuttle which returns around the Earth every 130 years. This is one of the most active peaks of the year. This comet was discovered in 1862, but its swarm was reported to have been seen in the year 36! Its maximum hourly rate fell year after year over the past century. The comet passed by Earth in December 1992, and the actual meteor shower was expected in August 1993. But unfortunately it didn’t rain! However, his hourly rate has increased significantly since his last visit.
The different paths of the comets left several “cloud bands” that give multiple maxima. Thus four peaks of activity are planned for this year, with an hourly rate of about 100 meteors. The first peak is scheduled for August 11 at 8:50 PM UT1, and is also observable for countries in Europe, North Africa and Asia. The second peak, which is the main peak, is scheduled for August 12 at 11:00 UT. This peak will particularly favor the United States and Asia. It would be invisible in Europe as it would be daylight. The third peak is scheduled for August 12 at 1:20 PM UT. This will benefit Russia, China and Alaska. Ultimately there will be a final peak on August 12th at 9:00 PM UT. It will be related to European countries, North Africa and Asian countries. These meteors would have a speed of 59 km/s, and would have a trail that would remain for a few seconds after they passed. Also, unlike in previous years, the Moon will not be playing spoilsport, promising a sight of immense beauty. Consult the Astronomical Almanac here for observing conditions
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1TU: Universal Time. To get legal time in France, add two hours.
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