2009 Perseid Meteor Shower –Starts Tonight
Double Peaks This Year!
Written by Tammy Plotner ShareThis
Part of the article the full article can be seen at
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/08/10/2009-perseid-meteor-shower-double-pea...


Astronomers are now estimating a double peak this year for viewers in the eastern portion of North America on Wednesday morning the 12th of August 2009. One peak should occur around 1:00 a.m. EST and the other peak around 5:30 a.m. EST. However, let's assume that not all of us can be in that place and be up at that time… So let's take a more practical look at observing the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Perseid meteor activity begins about midnight no matter where you live, but they can happen earlier, too. Because we are also contending with a Moon which will interfere with fainter meteors, the earlier you can observe, the better. There is no harm in beginning Tuesday night before the Moon rises. The general direction to face will be east around midnight and the activity will move overhead as the night continues. While waiting for midnight or later for activity to pick up to begin isn't a pleasant prospect, by then we are looking more nearly face-on into the direction of the Earth's motion as it orbits the Sun, and the radiant – the constellation of the meteor shower origin – is showing well. However, it won't be long until the Moon also begins to show very well, indeed! Put an obstruction such as the edge of a house or a tree between you and Selene… Even if you just open an umbrella, the very act of shielding some of the light will most certainly help you to see far more meteors than if you don't. For those of you who prefer not to stay up late? Try getting up early instead!

How many can you expect to see? A very average and cautiously stated fall rate for this year's Perseids would be about 30 per hour, but remember – this is a collective estimate. It doesn't mean that you'll see one every two minutes, but rather you may see four or five in quick succession with a long period of inactivity in between. You can make your observing sessions far more pleasant by planning for inactive times in advance. Bring a radio along, a thermos of your favorite beverage, and a comfortable place to observe from. The further you can get away from city lights, the better your chances will be. If you're cloud out on the peak date, don't stop watching – because activity continues on for several days!

Will this 2000 year-old meteor shower be a sparkling success or a total dud? You'll never know unless you go out and try yourself. One thing we do know is the Perseids are one of the most predictable of all meteor showers and even an hour or so of watching should bring a happy reward! Wishing you clear skies and good luck…




I dont have a camera that could do this but it would be cool to see long exposures of this event.

I am impressed with that pics and so on its so lightning fast and can't that's its a real but by looking at an unique picture I feel good about the pics and you shown something reality pics

Well originally. I posted it the day of the meteor storm hoping some of our aspiring photographers would give it a try. Not really meaning to have people just read the article.

I went out in the middle of the night with my camera, hoping to catch the meteor shower, and after sitting out for over an hour, I saw ONE meteor. Haha

It looks like an alien invasion

hi all what's up, i have seen the best wallpapers on this site. i have a question i want to know the best photo editors or tools.

[LINK REMOVED]