Sights and Sounds of the Perseid Meteor Shower
The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks today and tomorrow, August 12th and 13th. Bright moonlight will interfere with the display, but you can still spot some Perseids--especially if you look when the moon is hanging low just after sunset on Tuesday, August 12th or, better yet, just before dawn on Wednesday, August 13th. (This is true no matter where you live.) Looking at the full moon during a meteor shower is normally a poor idea; it ruins your night vision. But tonight during the Perseid meteor shower, take a moment to glance at the moon. Pleasingly nearby you'll see Mars--a vivid orange "star." Mars is now so close to Earth and so bright that even the full moon won't overwhelm it. :: This Space Weather report is submitted for your signs in the moon and stars (Luke 21:25) files.