Tonight (21 April and into the early hours of 22 April) sees the peak of the Lyrids meteor shower. The name comes from the constellation from which the Shooting Stars, or meteors, appear - in this case, Lyra, the Harp.
The maximum number of meteors is around 15 per hour. That's with good clear horizons, away from trees, houses, street lights, big dinosaurs, etc.
The later at night you look the better - but from 10:30pm you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
Best of all, there is no moonlight to spoil the view.
Starry Skies and Happy Wishing,
Anton
[Captain Cosmos]
More Space & Astronomy at: www.vamplew.co.uk
Showing posts with label Shooting Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shooting Stars. Show all posts
Monday, 20 April 2009
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Shooting Stars tonight: 10 Aptil
Tonight (10 April) sees the peak of the Virginids meteor shower. The name comes from the constellation from which the Shooting Stars, or meteors, appear; in this case, Virgo, the Maiden.
This isn't the best shower in terms of numbers, with peak numbers only around 5 per hour. But 5 is better than nothing, right?
The later at night you look the better - from 10:30pm you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
The problem is the Moon is one day after Full, meaning its bright light will wash out the fainter meteors. Nevertheless, if it is clear and you are outside (gardening or whatever!) then take a glance up and see if you can make a wish or two.
Starry Skies,
Anton
[Captain Cosmos]
More Space & Astronomy at: www.vamplew.co.uk
This isn't the best shower in terms of numbers, with peak numbers only around 5 per hour. But 5 is better than nothing, right?
The later at night you look the better - from 10:30pm you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
The problem is the Moon is one day after Full, meaning its bright light will wash out the fainter meteors. Nevertheless, if it is clear and you are outside (gardening or whatever!) then take a glance up and see if you can make a wish or two.
Starry Skies,
Anton
[Captain Cosmos]
More Space & Astronomy at: www.vamplew.co.uk
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Shooting Stars on Nov 16: The Leonids
Late tonight (Nov 16) and into the early hours of the tomorrow morning is the best time to see the peak of this year's Leonid meteor shower. The name comes from the constellation from which the Shooting Stars, or meteors, appear; in this case, Leo, the Lion.
So, from 10:30pm(ish) you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
With clear, dark skies and good horizons the latest estimates suggest up to 150 shooting stars (that's right!) per hour may appear during the maximum which is just after midnight as the 16th becomes the 17th.
Unfortunately the gibbous Moon will be a natural light-polluting nuisance by washing out the light of the fainter meteors over the entire time, but you'll still be able to catch the brighter ones.
So, from 10:30pm(ish) you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
With clear, dark skies and good horizons the latest estimates suggest up to 150 shooting stars (that's right!) per hour may appear during the maximum which is just after midnight as the 16th becomes the 17th.
Unfortunately the gibbous Moon will be a natural light-polluting nuisance by washing out the light of the fainter meteors over the entire time, but you'll still be able to catch the brighter ones.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Shooting Stars tonight
Tonight (Nov 5) and this weekend are the best times to see the various peaks of the Guyfawkids meteor shower.
Unlike most meteor showers, when your best chance of seeing meteors is close to midnight, the Guyfawkids appear as soon as it is dark. It is also the only shower that have eye witness accounts of sounds associated with each of the fast moving "shooting stars".
With clear skies and good horizons some displays have been known to tally many thousands over the course of maybe just half an hour, so it is well worth looking out for them.
The meteors also vary tremendously in appearance. Some explode into a shower of colour (much like a firework rocket would) whilst others send seem to be part of a cluster of sequential coloured fireballs. It's all just unbelievable.
Unlike most meteor showers, when your best chance of seeing meteors is close to midnight, the Guyfawkids appear as soon as it is dark. It is also the only shower that have eye witness accounts of sounds associated with each of the fast moving "shooting stars".
With clear skies and good horizons some displays have been known to tally many thousands over the course of maybe just half an hour, so it is well worth looking out for them.
The meteors also vary tremendously in appearance. Some explode into a shower of colour (much like a firework rocket would) whilst others send seem to be part of a cluster of sequential coloured fireballs. It's all just unbelievable.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Shooting Stars tonight
Today (Oct 21) and tomorrow night are the best times to see the peak of the Orionid meteor shower. The name comes from the constellation from which the Shooting Stars, or meteors, appear; in this case, Orion the Hunter.
The later at night you look the better - from 10:30pm you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
With clear, dark skies and good horizons you may be able to catch about 20 shooting stars per hour.
The Moon rises after midnight and will be a natural light-polluting nuisance by washing out the light of the fainter meteors by about 2am - so I'd go to bed about then. ;-)
The later at night you look the better - from 10:30pm you should begin to see the odd streak of light across the sky appearing anywhere in the sky zooming in an east to west direction.
With clear, dark skies and good horizons you may be able to catch about 20 shooting stars per hour.
The Moon rises after midnight and will be a natural light-polluting nuisance by washing out the light of the fainter meteors by about 2am - so I'd go to bed about then. ;-)
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