Meteor showers?

Question

I live in southern California and i'm hoping to see the Perseids meteor shower tonight, and i know its going to be faint and the moon is going to be a nuissance, but i was wondering what constellation i should look to and if i'll be able to see it from where i live, please let me know thanks!

Answer 1

For several weeks in early August, Earth will be bombarded by lots of extra-terrestrial debris. But you need not worry – most of it will be dust particles that burn up in Earth's atmosphere as meteors. Indeed, August is the best time to witness the meteor shower called the Perseid.

Parents can take advantage of this opportunity to introduce their children to one of the wonders of our solar system: shooting stars. Or check out Jupiter Scientific's Virtual Astronomy page.


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Observing
When to Watch:
In 2006, the best time to observe the Perseids is from 1-5 am during the morning of Sunday, August 13 (Note that this is the night that starts on Saturday, August 12). Some astronomers predict a peak at around 00:10 UT August 13, which translates into about 7:00 pm EST on Saturday, August 12. However, the Perseids produce a good display for several days and one can still try to see some meteors before and after the peak. Unfortunately, this year, the Moon will be close to full and limit the number of meteors that one can see.

Clouds prevent viewing so that if you are particularly keen in wanting to see the Perseids, then adopt the following strategy: Try to watch during the night of August 11-12; If clouds are present, then try for August 12-13.


Where to Look in the Sky:
The meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, which, in North America, rises in the evening in the northeast. You need not look in this direction, however. The Perseids are noted for their long trails and should streak across much of the night sky. Look anywhere from 30 degrees to 80 degrees above the horizon and about 45 degrees away from the constellation Perseus.

Answer 2

Get this info from a website...hope this helps!

When to Watch:
In 2006, the best time to observe the Perseids is from 1-5 am during the morning of Sunday, August 13 (Note that this is the night that starts on Saturday, August 12). Some astronomers predict a peak at around 00:10 UT August 13, which translates into about 7:00 pm EST on Saturday, August 12. However, the Perseids produce a good display for several days and one can still try to see some meteors before and after the peak. Unfortunately, this year, the Moon will be close to full and limit the number of meteors that one can see.

Clouds prevent viewing so that if you are particularly keen in wanting to see the Perseids, then adopt the following strategy: Try to watch during the night of August 11-12; If clouds are present, then try for August 12-13.


Where to Look in the Sky:
The meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, which, in North America, rises in the evening in the northeast. You need not look in this direction, however. The Perseids are noted for their long trails and should streak across much of the night sky. Look anywhere from 30 degrees to 80 degrees above the horizon and about 45 degrees away from the constellation Perseus.

Answer 3

It comes out of the constellation Perseus...thus the name Perseids meteor shower. It's in the North East from So. Cal. It peaks at around 2 AM so the moon should be almost down by then.

Answer 4

U will be able to see metors up close once the magnetic poles flip !they are in the process now and that is something worth while to worry about !

Answer 5

Good answer Ben

Answer 6

Where are you supposed to see it the best and what time?