Meteor shower 13. Perseid meteor shower this weekend. Where on the planet will a meteor shower be seen

Telescopes and other astronomical instruments are not required to observe the meteor shower, so anyone can enjoy the night starry spectacle of summer. It is better to conduct observation in nature, for example, in a field, in a country house or in a village. However, cloudiness and rain can interfere even there. It is believed that meteor showers have a very positive effect on human energy. It is also customary to make wishes during the meteor shower.

For an observer in central Russia around midnight, the constellation Perseus is located in the northeastern part of the sky. In the evening, it starts its journey from the eastern horizon, rises very high by morning, so that "shooting stars" become visible throughout the sky.

The history of the discovery of the Perseids

The name Perseids comes from the name of the constellation Perseus. The Perseid meteor shower has been known to mankind for about 2 thousand years. The first mention of them is contained in Chinese historical annals dating back to 36 AD. Also, the Perseids were often mentioned in Japanese and Korean chronicles of the 8th-11th centuries. In Europe, the Perseids were called the "Tears of St. Lawrence", since the festival of St. Lawrence, which takes place in Italy, falls on the most active meteor shower period - August 10th.

Astronomy lovers can expect interesting and unusual cosmic phenomena this winter. On December 13, there will be a meteor shower that can be seen from any continent. Also, in January, the inhabitants of the Earth will be able to see two supermoons - the Earth's satellite will become much closer and brighter.

Scientists recommend fans of space and astronomical events to postpone sleep on the night of December 13, and take a closer look at the sky, as the Earth will pass through the Geminid meteor shower. This phenomenon is one of the most powerful, bright flashes will literally shower the sky. Astronomers consider the December meteor shower one of the most significant events, and recommend waiting until midnight to clearly view the beauty of the meteor shower. At this time, the Moon will hide behind the horizon, and its light will not block the starlight. The meteor shower will be quite strong and bright, so that you can watch it without special instruments, throughout the night, from anywhere in the northern hemisphere of the planet. It is also advisable to go out of town, to an area not loaded with street lamps, car headlights, searchlights, etc.

Mid-December is a traditional time for the Geminids. Most often, meteors move at a speed of 35 km / s, with a frequency of up to 100 fireballs in 60 minutes. The stars do not move towards the Earth, but overtake it. This direction and low speed allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of starfall. The flight of meteors can be observed from December 4-6 to December 17-19. The epicenter of the meteor shower traditionally falls on the 13th day of the first month of winter. It is noteworthy that since the beginning of the opening of the stream, its activity has increased every year more and more. When astronomers first discovered the Geminid meteor shower, the frequency of falling did not exceed 15 meteors per hour. What caused this, experts still find it difficult to answer, but suggest that the abundance of meteors is temporary. Perhaps by the end of this century, the frequency of meteor impacts will again decrease, which is why the meteor shower is of such interest and attention to scientists.

In 2011, the Geminids became one of the brightest showers, as about 200 stars could be observed falling within an hour. The Geminids stellar stream is born by the ejection of small particles by the celestial body Phaethon, which, presumably, used to be a comet. Phaeton, making a revolution around the Sun, approaches it at an extremely close distance. Scientists suggest that because of such a distance, the former comet lost its icy tail and turned into a cross between a comet and an asteroid. This celestial body is very young. Studies of small particles showed that their age does not exceed 1000 years, and the meteor shower itself was discovered at the end of the 20th century. Since then, the Geminid meteor shower has been considered the most abundant, surpassing the traditional August Perseid meteor shower.

Another exciting cosmic phenomenon occurred on the night of December 4th. The moon has reduced its distance from the Earth to 357,492 kilometers, making it 30% brighter and 14% larger than normal. Network users from all over the world share photos on social networks, and do not stop describing their impressions of what they saw in the comments. The so-called supermoon has delighted the people of the Philippines, China, Myanmar and Russia. The American TV channel ABS News has published a video in the accelerated mode of the supermoon, which was observed in the state of Rhode Island.

NASA experts report that the supermoon is a very significant phenomenon in the field of astronomy. At this time, the inhabitants of New Zealand could observe both the Sun and the Moon in the sky at the same time. Until December 6, residents of Kazakhstan, the eastern part of Russia and the northern part of Canada have the same opportunity. In addition to the fact that the supermoon looks more than usual, its color becomes bright orange and it may seem to a person that the satellite is very easily reached by hand. This is the main difference between a supermoon and a full moon.

For those who missed this astronomical event, experts are in a hurry to report good news. In January, the inhabitants of the Earth will have such an opportunity two more times. During this period, the Moon moves along an elliptical axis, so at a certain period its distance from the Earth will decrease again. On January 3 and 31, the supermoon will repeat itself, but the satellite itself will take on a rather unusual appearance. In early January, its color will turn cold blue, at the end of the month the shade will be more saturated, in astronomy it is called the "blue blood of the moon." The changes are due to the fact that due to the approach to our planet, it will be more clearly reflected in the moon. On the night of January 31, the Earth, Moon and Sun will line up in one trajectory, so the inhabitants of our planet will be able to observe a lunar eclipse.

It is known that the moon has a certain effect on human health and well-being. Therefore, the fact that the Earth's satellite will be as close as possible cannot but cause concern. According to expert research, weather-sensitive and sleepwalking people should take the utmost care. It is better not to drive, not to make important decisions, to postpone long night trips. Also, experts advise not to take valuables and large sums of money with you, as during this period people become more distracted. But not only people are affected by the moon. Scientists have noticed strange behavior of animals during the supermoon period. Domestic animals neglect food and mostly sleep, while wild ones become more aggressive.

Residents of Moscow and all of Russia can watch the meteor shower in August 2018 on the night of 12-13. It is then that the peak period of such a bewitching astronomical phenomenon will occur. It also has its own name. The annual meteor shower, which begins in mid-July and lasts for a month or more, is called the Perseid meteor shower.

The Russians will be able to watch the meteor shower from 23:00 until dawn. This year, the new moon will not have time to appear by the night of August 12-13. Everyone will be able to enjoy such a spectacle to the fullest, without being distracted by the light of the earth's satellite.

It is worth watching the meteor shower in Moscow on the night of August 12-13, 2018

The conditions for observation in 2018 are conducive to viewing this wonderful phenomenon in the night sky. After all, even the moonlight on the night of August 12-13 will not overshadow all the beauty of falling comets. During this period, the new moon will not yet have time to appear in the sky. The apogee of the Perseids over European countries and in Russia will happen at night.

Astronomers promise that at least one meteorite per minute will be seen tonight. And perhaps even more often. Also, scientists, using the experience of previous years, suggest that the Russians in 2018 will be able to witness two additional bursts of activity. This can happen at 23:00 and at 5:30 Moscow time.

The Perseids are formed as the Earth passes through dust grains from Comet Swift-Tuttle. This cosmic body moves near the Earth with a frequency of once every 135 years. But with the tail of a comet, the third planet of the solar system occurs annually.

The largest number of falling meteors was recorded 179 years ago. Then the frequency of the Perseids was 160 meteorites in one hour. During the current century, similar meteorite activity occurred 3 times. The last one happened in 2016. The next one is expected in 2028.

You can watch a meteor shower in Moscow without special devices

Anyone who is going to observe this most interesting astronomical phenomenon should not worry about preliminary preparation. Indeed, to view falling meteorites in the night sky from August 12 to 13, 2018, no devices are needed.

It is best to admire the spectacle when small particles come into contact with the Earth's atmosphere and ignite, leaving behind bright flashes in the sky, the best time is from 23:00 until dawn, but true fans of the impressive phenomenon should be patient.

Astronomers say that the best time for viewing will be from 03:00 to 04:00. The moonless sky will be the perfect place for the best Perseid sightings.

Some experts advise using Ursa Major, and then Ursa Minor, through the polar star to find the constellation Perseus, which guarantees the determination of the most accurate place where the largest number of unique and beautiful meteorites will fall. But scientists from NASA simply advise you to raise your head in the night sky, because you can look in any direction.

The Perseids will be visible everywhere, across the entire surface of the August night sky. But warm clothes and a thermos of tea will not interfere with any lover of starry space, especially when the observation process is so fascinating, unique and has a slightly romantic character.

Mysticism and the Perseid meteor shower

Many centuries ago, when society did not understand the meteor shower, its source and the meaning of the appearance, such an astronomical phenomenon caused fear and bewilderment. Some have even linked the meteor shower to alien life.

In today's time, when starfall is a phenomenon that is quite explainable by science, many still believe that it is possible to make a wish in the process of falling stars. It must come true, especially this year. After all, astrologers say that the meteor shower, which coincides with the first lunar day, is an enhanced effect in the fulfillment of desires.

To increase the chances of translating what was conceived into reality, it is better to guess without outside presence. For a quick fulfillment of a dream, you need to think about all the details of the desire during the fall of the star, up to the timing of its implementation.

The Perseids are meteor showers that can be observed from Earth every year in August. This time, astronomers say, the stars will fall especially beautifully: the shower promises to reach 60 meteors per hour.

The annual meteor shower is the result of the Earth passing through the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, causing bright flying flashes that look like the Perseus constellation is their source in terrestrial microscopes. And this year you have the opportunity to view the Perseids as best you can.

The peak of the meteor shower will occur this weekend, between August 12 and 13, when moonless nights provide all viewers with perfectly dark skies. According to NASA, the peak will begin at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday and continue until 4 a.m. Monday.

Shooting stars will be visible north and south of the equator, but viewers watching the shower at mid-northern latitudes will get the best view. This means that the US, Europe and Canada will be able to see the Perseids in the best possible way. Mexico, Central America, Asia, most of Africa and parts of South America will be able to watch the flow.

For viewers in southern latitudes, shooting stars will begin to appear in the sky around midnight and continue into the morning.

If you are lucky, you can see the so-called "earth satellites" - these are bright colored meteorites that appear in the sky slowly and hover horizontally in the sky just before midnight.

In 2018, the event will coincide with the new moon, when the moon is almost invisible in the sky. Therefore, according to NASA representatives, this is “the best meteor shower of the year” and it is definitely worth seeing.

You don't need binoculars to watch the stars. No need to look for the constellation Perseus in the sky. Just raise your head. NASA says that "you can look anywhere you want to see the Perseids, even just over your head."

As a rule, a meteor shower brings 60-70 shooting stars per hour, but in some years there have been more. By the way, if you can’t see the stars over the weekend, there is good news: you can observe the Perseids until August 24, although not in such a saturated stream.

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The Perseid meteor shower is expected this weekend. It will reach its peak on Saturday and Sunday (August 11 and 12, 2018). And that means it's time to raise your eyes to the sky and watch hundreds of shooting stars in the night sky. And no special good review is needed to see this "starfall".

This is always the case in August: you just need to go outside, lie on your back and look up. Bill Cook, head of NASA's office, Meteoroid Environments at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, said, "You don't need binoculars and you don't need a telescope to see a meteor shower."

• City lights interfere with the perception of the meteor shower. Best of all, the star shower is visible from a dark area.
• Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark sky. Don't expect to walk outside and see the Perseids right away.
• The best time to see the Perseids is around 2 am (local time), when the constellation Perseus is high in the sky.

The spectacle will be especially stunning this year, in part because the moon will be a thin crescent moon and will be in its waxing phase, leaving the dark night sky open for stargazing. In past years, there were not so many shooting stars seen (although in 2016 there were about 200 visible meteors per hour), this weekend will see more of them than on a normal night, and this despite the fact that only 60 to 70 meteors per hour (literally a handful of meteorites).

For a long time, earthlings have treated the dazzling meteor shower with special trepidation. Shooting stars were called Perseids because their flying flashes come in a stream, as it were, from the direction of the constellation Perseus. What is the cause of the Perseids? It's all about the tail of comet Swift-Tuttle. The comet itself makes its 133-year journey around the sun, but leaves a trail of rocky sand.

Every summer, the Earth makes its way along this thick trail (this year it entered the wake on July 17, and will leave it on August 24), allowing the comet's debris to burn up in our planet's atmosphere. As space rocks burn, they create a bright streak of light known as meteors or shooting stars, fire rain or shooting stars.

This weekend our planet will pass through the most dense and dusty part of the trail. While the Perseid meteor shower will begin its real show, stellar shooting activity will take place on the night of August 12-13.

Meteor showers are best seen from the northern hemisphere and some mid-southern latitudes. Photographers planning to shoot the Perseid night sky should mount their camera on a tripod and shoot with long exposures ranging from a few seconds to a minute. But not for longer, otherwise the rotation of the stars could block the streaks of star shots.