Annual Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight

Annual Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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Citizen astonomers, night owls and early morning risers may want to make note that the annual Perseid meteor shower will be at peak viewing tonight, and to a lesser rate, tomorrow night.

According to the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, the Perseids are predicted to reach a peak of 60 to 90 meteors per hour tonight.

The Perseid Meteor Shower is one of the more reliable showers, and lasts for several days on either side of its peak. Thus, the mornings of August 12 and 13 should be best for observing Perseids this year but a few Perseids can be spotted before or after these dates. We will have a very small waxing crescent moon in the early evening so there will be no moonlight to interfere with observations of the fainter meteors. The Perseids are best observed between about 11 p.m. and dawn from a clear, dark location with a good horizon.

Be sure to look towards the northeast.

If you're near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, rangers will be hosting a viewing party at the remote Hensley Settlement this Friday night.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Pisgah observatory program looks at winter night-time skies

Pisgah observatory program looks at winter night-time skies

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will hold its monthly Evening at PARI program at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, looking at the wintertime night sky and celestial objects visible in Western North Carolina.

"We plan to provide a practical guide to the wintertime night sky and solar system objects visible in Western North Carolina,” said PARI Education Director Christi Whitworth. “Our storytelling staff will also share some of the lore associated with several objects of interest from around the world. This program is designed for all ages and all knowledge levels - from astronomy newcomers up to those who have been observing all their lives. We’ll also have an observing session so everyone can begin exploring the wonders of the universe right away.”

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Dec. 11.

Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14. For additional information or to schedule a reservation contact Whitworth at 862-5554 or send an email to cwhitworth@pari.edu.

Reservations can also be made online at www.pari.edu.




Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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