William Atkins
Friday, 31 July 2009 19:41
Science -
Space
Page 2 of 3
For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the radiant of the Perseids does not extend above the horizon.
So, you will only see a small number of meteors—much less than what will be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
On the night of August 11 through to the morning of August 12, you might want to consider carrying your sleeping bag or a blanket outside. Prop your head on a couple of pillows and watch the activity unfold before your very eyes.
Finding a campground, a park, or other such location away from city lights, would be a plus for the best viewing of these meteors. Higher elevation areas are also prime viewing sites.
You should be able to see the meteors shoot across the sky from any portion of the night sky. However, their tails will all point in the general direction of its radiant (origin), which will be just above the constellation Perseus.
The origin of the shower is dependent on where Earth and the meteor shower meet in space. That origin is called its radiant, and it is named after the closest constellation (as it appears on Earth).
In the case of the Perseid meteor shower, it is closest to the constellation Perseus and, thus, its name.
You’ll also see a half gibbous Moon near the constellation Aries, which is off to the right of the constellation Perseus.
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