The best night to see them will be tomorrow, the night of the 12th to the 13th. But if some impatient cannot wait or simply will not be able to tomorrow, tonight they can also be seen. Mind you, the peak is tomorrow! Quite a spectacle to see how they disintegrate in the atmosphere, 100km away.
We are going to tell you the best tips to get to see them, as well as why this phenomenon occurs. Many may already be wanting to get lucky and make a wish when they see one. Although with the light pollution that exists, for some it may be luck to see some. Let's not forget what to clearer skies, without clouds or light pollution, tonight can be experienced with more intensity.
First of all. Where do the stars come from?
Comet Swift Tuttle. Where did the Perseids come from
The celestial body from which they come is Comet Swift Tuttle. From the remains of the comet's tail. Its name derives from Dewis Swift and Horace Parnell Tuttle, who were the discoverers on July 19, 1862. With a diameter of 26 kilometers and an orbit around the Sun of 135 years. The last time it was "allowed" to be seen was in 1992, resulting in a THZ, or an hourly activity level, of 300.
Since then, the activity has been decreasing and establishing itself at normal, a THZ of 100. It should be noted that in 2009 there was a passage through a stream of debris with a higher population density, which gave a THZ of 173. Meteors are of high speed, as they go at 59km / s. Its period of activity is very long, therefore, although the peak is at this time, it is very possible to see some between July 16 and August 24.
The official name is Perseids, since they radiate from the constellation of Perseus. But they are well known as "tears of San Lorenzo". That is because August 10 is the day of this saint. In the Medieval Age and the Renaissance they used to always occur with maximum apogee just on the day that San Lorenzo was remembered, and since then they are popularly known by this name. However, the phenomenon was first documented in AD 36
How to get a good look at them?
People who have vehicles can move to areas without much light pollution. And keep in mind that, climbing mountains, at the same time, makes the sky clearer. And it is better to prevent the weather, lest we go just to an area where clouds are expected.
For people who are without vehicles and in the city, the recommendations are more or less the same but applied to the city. In high areas, and above all avoiding being very exposed to light or surrounded by buildings that prevent us from having a full view of the sky. Even so, they can be seen, but many of them can go unnoticed.
Where to look?
It is a very recurring question in how much we observe the sky in search of visually capturing the "flashes" of a shower of stars. Yes yes, but where do I look ... Anywhere? Here there? Where?
The gaze must be directed towards the constellation of Perseus, since it seems that this is where they come from. That is, if we observe 25 degrees North, or Southwest of Perseus, we will have much easier to visualize the fast meteors.
Although it is "easy" to locate them with the naked eye, we can always experience the night more intensely. Use binoculars, or use a compass together with a celestial map to know that we are directing our eyes well. Once the point is located, it is not surprising that we are for a while to locate one, it usually happens. So the best thing is to relax in a chair or a lounger, a little coat, and something to eat and drink to spend the moment in a pleasant way.
Have a magical night all of you!