10:17 AM Mon, Aug 11, 2008 | Permalink
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It's that time of year, when Planet Earth & The Perseid Meteor showers meet in the sky. As a matter of fact this annual meeting between Earth and The Perseids have been observed for almost 2000 years! The Perseids are part of the debris trail from the Swift Tuttle Comet.
Late Monday night through early Tuesday morning will be peak viewing. Up to 60 meteors and hour might be visible in the nighttime sky. You don't need a fancy telescope to watch the Perseids, just good set of eyes. Weather all across the Pacific Northwest will be fantastic for viewing, I'm forecasting clear skies. The possible exceptions will be the Oregon and Washington coastline were Low clouds may form late tonight.
A couple of quick notes about viewing The Perseid or any other meteor shower, it's best done away from city lights. I would suggest the Columbia River Gorge or Central Oregon. I would also take along ar warm jacket or sweater. Temperatures tonight will fall into the upper 40s to low 50s.
So after watchng the 2008 Beijing Olympics tonight on KGW, (my Olympic plug to keep the boss happy) take a walk outside and look up. You'll be watching and event that 's as old the Olyimpics themselves!
For more information I've included a link below from NASA on Meteor Showers
Good Viewing
Dave
Nasa Link To Perseids
I wish this information would have been posted sooner!
Just remember the peak of the shower was last night, you can still see the meteor shower for a few days afterwards.
Just remember the peak of the shower was last night. You can still see the shower a few days afterwards.