A Stellar Show Approaching (Meteor shower notice)

Do you get the pun? Stellar? Because... stars and space?

Sorry.

Anyway, just thought I'd try a bloggy thing for once. Trying to get over how shy I am on this site.

So, what about the stars and space? Well, it has to do with annual meteor showers that pass by every so often. Since I'm an avid stargazer (hence the username), I'm closely following the dates and times of these shows. And on the night of the 11th - morning of the 12th, the Perseid meteor shower will peak in the Northern Hemisphere.

In case you don't know, meteor showers go on for a long time. I'm pretty sure the Delta Aquarids are still rambling along of the time of this blog. And the Perseid shower has been going on for a bit now. But the 11th - 12th is when you'll really want to see the show. This year, there's a predicted outburst of the Perseid meteor shower. Normally, the shower produces 80 meteors per hour on its peak date, which is impressive.

But this year, the rate is expected to more than double to 200 meteors per hour.

Sounds pretty cool, huh? Although the moon in its waxing gibbous phase will be in the sky for some time of the peak hours, moonset should fall before the predawn hours, allowing more meteors to streak the sky. Also watch on the 13th. Although the huge peak falls a night before, you should be able to catch a few more meteors.

Even then, if you don't catch the outburst, don't give up on watching the show! Meteor showers are fun to watch, regardless if you see the peak or not. Setting your expectations too high can ruin the whole experience. And don't just plan on watching during the peak hours: watch just before and after. The Perseids are a beloved meteor shower, so get some fresh air, enjoy the sky, and hopefully have some fun!

They explain it better than I did here. Click the link if you're interested or want to know more.

Bottom line: This year's shower is going to be great. I just had to let you guys know.