The BBC knows what I like: Stargazers set sights on meteors
Shooting stars are set to grace the night sky with a spectacular light display this weekend.
The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak during the early hours of Monday, but it will be visible from Saturday night until Tuesday morning.
The celestial show will be most apparent in the north-eastern part of the sky near the Perseus constellation.
If the skies remain clear, it will offer stargazers the best opportunity for a few years to see the Perseids.
The shower this year coincides with a new Moon, providing sky watchers with the dark skies necessary for excellent observing conditions.
I've learned over the years that, despite what the experts say, it is often worthwhile to check out the skies the day before the shower is supposed to "start."
It's too bad it has been so hot, as it will make for slightly hazy conditions.
UPDATE:
I was able to get a couple of hours watching tonight before the clouds rolled in. It wasn't nearly as hazy as I had feared, and the Milky Way popped early. The meteors also rolled in on schedule. The rate was pretty decent, on the order of 15-20 per hour, so Saturday viewing will be a must. Sunday is supposed to be the "peak" but I'm wondering if that will be true.
UPDATE X2:
Check this out for more info.
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