Perseids Return this Weekend!!

jmzblond · Posted: 8/7/2006, 2:05 pm Post subject: Perseids Return this Weekend!!

For several weeks in early August, Earth will be bombarded by lots of extra-terrestrial debris, most of which will be dust particles that burn up in Earth's atmosphere as meteors. August is the best time to witness the Perseid meteor shower.

The best time to observe the Perseids is from 1-5 am during the morning of Sunday, August 13 (Note that this is the night that starts on Saturday, August 12). Some astronomers predict a peak at around 7:00 pm EST or 4:00pm PST on Saturday, August 12. However, the Perseids produce a good display for several days and one can still try to see some meteors before and after the peak. Unfortunately, this year, the Moon will be close to full and limit the number of meteors that one can see.

The meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, which, in North America, rises in the evening in the northeast. Perseids are noted for their long trails and should streak across much of the night sky. Look anywhere from 30 degrees to 80 degrees above the horizon and about 45 degrees away from the constellation Perseus.

The best place to observe meteors is in an open area that is unobstructed by trees or other structures, and that is far away from any and all lights. The darker the sky the better. Thin clouds or mist will greatly reduce the number of meteors that one can see.

Even if you are not observing under optimal circumstances, which is likely to be the case due to the moon or any clouds, you can still expect to see about 15-30 meteors per hour.
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jmzblond · Posted: 8/7/2006, 2:06 pm Post subject:

Anyone up for an over-nighter in the Supes????? Maybe to the top of Black Top Mesa??
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Blond, James Blond... double "O", uh oh!!

"The romantic lifestyle of goats leaves a lot of time for digesting books" Charlotte La Chevre, (taken from "Conversations With A Goat" by Robert Shekter)

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Thats awesome, I will be up on Mt. Shasta that Saturday, should make a nice night of star-gazing!

PageRob · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 859 Location: Page, Az.

Shoot. One of the few times I end up down in the Valley, its during a meteor shower...
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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

ohhh baby... can anyone say "Lockett Meadow"?
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Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

On duty this sat. but may sit outside and watch from work.

RedRoxx44 · Queen of the Walkabout Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 1167

I'm gonna be on top of a mountain this weekend, will have to make sure to get in a good sized clearing for the viewing. Might be a night hike involved!!
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chihiggs · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 565 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Thank you J-me Very Happy

Geeked for the meteor shower.... Multi

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All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them...Walt Disney

Andy · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 338 Location: Apache Junction

Thanks for the "Heads-Up" Smile

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Daryl · Posted: 8/8/2006, 8:28 am Post subject:

Last friday I was camped out where my friend's car was last spotted and we seen a ton of meteors already. Should be a good show!
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IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

I appreciate this report. I think I'll go to the Hualapais in Kingman and be on top at 4:10 AM Sunday morning as the moon will set then. An easy backpack. The show is NE and there are very few light polution sources in that direction. Anyone care to join me? Should be a thrill for an hour or so. Even longer as at that part of the night the moon will be behind us. I haven't seen a truly great one sense I was a kid.
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Sun and Moon Data for One Day
The following information is provided for Kingman, Mohave County, Arizona (longitude W114.0, latitude N35.2):

Sunday
13 August 2006 Mountain Standard Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 5:27 a.m.
Sunrise 5:54 a.m.
Sun transit 12:41 p.m.
Sunset 7:27 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:54 p.m.

MOON
Moonrise 9:37 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit 4:07 a.m.
Moonset 10:48 a.m.
Moonrise 10:06 p.m.
Moonset 11:58 a.m. on following day
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"Surely all God's people, however serious or savage, great or small, like to play. Whales and elephants, dancing, humming gnats, and invisibly small mischievous microbes - all are warm with divine radium and must have lots of fun in them." John Muir

jmzblond · Posted: 8/8/2006, 9:07 pm Post subject:

Since no one is up for Black Top Mesa, one of my favorite places..... I'm now considering Tonto Narrows for a late Saturday to Sunday over-nighter. Higgs, I know its one of your favorite places!! How 'bout it????
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Blond, James Blond... double "O", uh oh!!

"The romantic lifestyle of goats leaves a lot of time for digesting books" Charlotte La Chevre, (taken from "Conversations With A Goat" by Robert Shekter)

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Don't forget a back-up wallet and back-up set of keys as well Smile

IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

Kiss'ma grits! Cracked Up

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"Surely all God's people, however serious or savage, great or small, like to play. Whales and elephants, dancing, humming gnats, and invisibly small mischievous microbes - all are warm with divine radium and must have lots of fun in them." John Muir

Daryl · Posted: 8/9/2006, 11:35 am Post subject:

Saw a couple while lounging in my pool last night about 9pm. Pretty good considering it was a full moon, partly cloudy and not the darkest area around. Should be a great show!
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