To all the disappointed watchers:
So you stepped out onto the back porch last night and did not see much at all?
Try again, the showers will go on for a couple more nights.
But let's get real.
The best time to view the showers is around 3-4 AM. this is when perseus is high in the sky. The reason you can't see them earlier is because when close to the horizon, the show gets lost in the atmospheric haze and all the light pollution from surrounding cities.
Also, dark adaptation of your eyes takes over half an hour, until then you are not going to see anything, no matter how dark it is outside.
So, if you looked outside for 15 minutes and gave up. no wonder you didn't see anything.
The predicted count at maximum actvity is 60 per hour. But you are not always facing in the right direction to see all of them.
Like anything else, but even more so in Astronomy, it helps to do your homework, so you know what to expect.
Adolph
2007-08-12 22:54:38 · 6 answers · asked by Adolph K 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
ABSOLUTLY. but I'm sure the backyard doesn't help at ALL. You MUST travel away from cities. country side works best. even then your probably INBETWEEN two major lights sources.
hope for the best.
I traveled out to the country and the sky opened to be, but was still surrounded by light glare on the horizon. I figured the horizon shows MORE AREA than the top does. Thats where half the magic is I assume.
Where to look? Everywhere. It RADIATES from perseid in all directions. (seemed like I saw some going in opposite directions)
still disappointed thought. The leonids seem to offer so much more
yeah, watch out for the cops. dont be drinkin unless your campin
2007-08-12 23:04:35 · answer #1 · answered by Mercury 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i never miss them, and i wasn't disappointed this year, especially SAT. night. saw many w/large tails. i saw a few this am, too as well as last night, but sat was best for me.
if you train your eyes to use all of your vision, IE: peripheral. you wont be let down. Keep an eye to the sky!!
2007-08-12 23:02:42 · answer #2 · answered by jilliebean 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
went looking last night all i got was a pull from the boys in blue askin why i was out driving at that time n the morning and can i please turn off my fog light - doh
2007-08-12 23:01:43 · answer #3 · answered by andy t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting...good to know.
thanks. =)
So it's going to go on tomorrow and the following nights? Also does it depend on your location? whether it's 3 am...It's 3 am right now PST.
2007-08-12 23:02:59 · answer #4 · answered by Just_Smile 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats not a question,get your head out of the stars...
2007-08-12 23:00:01 · answer #5 · answered by mego 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah bitches!
2007-08-12 22:59:58 · answer #6 · answered by polystyrene_high 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋