Meteor Shower August 12th Tonight

Tonight we will see the sky be filled by shooting stars. Yeah, tonight is peak time for the Perseid Meteor Shower. Let's pray no cloud and rain fall tonight then see Meteor Shower August 12th.

very year since at least AD 258, the Perseid meteor shower has been observed as Earth passes through dust and debris from the Swift-Tuttle Comet of Perseus every August. This colorful display of shooting stars begins in July, but peaks in visibility on August 11th and August 12th. Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office states, "Earth passes through the densest part of the debris stream sometime on August 12th. Then, you could see dozens of meteors per hour." The light of the waning moon may obstruct some of the visuals but meteor rates are speculated as high as 200 per hour; this almost guarantees an impressive show even if only a small percentage of the meteors are visible.

A meteor shower can be characterized as a storm of shooting stars. According to legend, making a wish on a shooting star will make the wish come true. This belief is traced back to AD 127-151 when Greek astronomer Ptolemy wrote that Gods peer down at the Earth sometimes (as if from behind a curtain) from between the spheres. Sometimes the stars fall out of the gap and appear to us as shooting stars. In this instant, since we already have their attention, the Gods are more receptive to our wishes. Superstitions and spiritual implications aside, the Perseids are a miraculous vision. Perhaps you'd do well to have a few wishes handy just in case.

To add to your viewing pleasure of the Perseids in Los Angeles:

* Peak viewing time is between 9 PM and 11 PM PDT on August 11th and 12th.
* Make sure you have an open view of the eastern sky. If feasible, lay on your back to get a full view.
* Don't use binoculars or a telescope this year. You'll want a wide-angle view of the sky due to the light shining from the waning moon which may be an obstruction.
* Wrap in a comfy blanket or jacket, the nights have been a bit chilly
* Allow about 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the night sky and be patient.
* Keep an eye out for Earthgrazers. These rare beauties are long and colorful meteors that skim the Earth's atmosphere when the Perseus constellation hangs low in the horizon.
* Look where the skies are dark. Street lights and lights from your houses can dim the light of the meteors.
* Whatever your age, bring your childlike spirit. The miracles of our universe are awesome and wondrous. The particles you will see are thousands of years old. Do a little reading ahead of time so you can appreciate what you're about to witness.
* Last year the L.A. Times published this list of the best places to view a meteor shower.

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