City lights, called light pollution, can interfere with viewing. So can reflected moonlight. Unfortunately for us, the peak of this year's Perseids Meteor Shower coincides with August's full moon. The best viewing for this meteor shower might occur earlier in August, before the moon is so bright - thus the early posting for this event.
Meteor showers are named for the constellation they appear to be near. The Perseids Meteor Shower appears near the constellation Perseus the Hero.
Stargazing bench. Image: suphakit73; FreeDigitalPhotos |
Check out these sites for more information about the Perseids Meteor Shower, including recommended viewing times for your corner of the globe:
- Spacedex
- EarthSky's meteor shower guide for 2011
- StarDate 2011 Meteor Showers
- American Meteor Society
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