DON’T MISS!
Massive Perseids Meteor Shower On Saturday and Sunday Night: Thailand
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) invites the public to view the annual Perseids meteor shower and the Moon occulting Jupiter on the night of Mother’s Day, August 12.
Watch the skies on Saturday night
From 11pm till 4:30am
It’s the largest shower of its kind!
NARIT Director Assoc Prof Boonraksa Soonthornthum said on August 12 of every year, astronomical phenomena known as the Moon occulting the planet Jupiter and the Perseids meteor shower can be observed from the night sky.
The crescent Moon will occult Jupiter in the late hours of August 12, at 0.11 degrees north of the planet. The phenomenon will be primarily visible in the South of Thailand, where rain clouds are scarce.The Perseids shower, Assoc Prof Boonraksa said, can be viewed from midnight of August 12 to the early hours of August 13. The shower is the second brightest, next to the Leonids meteor shower. This year, stargazers can expect to see over 100 meteors per hour.Where to look up at the sky ?
In 2012, the peak of the Perseids meteor shower will coincide with a waning crescent moon. This will produce favorable viewing circumstances for observers expecting to get the full effect of this yearly summer experience. With upwards of 80 meteors per hour predicted, it may well be worth staying out to catch quite a few impressive bursts of light streaking through the night sky.
On average, under completely clear skies, and in complete darkness, observers may witness 20 to 80 meteors per hour; but these rates can exceed up to 120 meteors per hour in rural locations. Be aware that local conditions such as light pollution, cloud cover, and precipitation will also play a major role in the number of meteors you are likely to see.
For the best viewing experience, find an area unobstructed by a structure that is far away from city lights. Using optical devices such as binoculars or telescopes is not recommended, as your field of view will be greatly restricted, thus making the possibility of missing a “shooting star” more likely.
Looking directly up at the sky or into the radiant is not recommended since this is just the point in which they appear to come from. You are more likely to see a trail when looking slightly away from this point. Looking half-way up into the sky will lead to the best show in the house.
Watching a meteor shower is sometimes takes a great deal of patience, but if you wait long enough, you should be rewarded with a an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Happy gazing!
