Another Skywatcher Alert

For those who already get their Skywatcher Alerts, skip this.  Others with interest in what happens over our heads may love watching the annual Perseis Meteor Shower of August.  Although available for viewing to those all over the planet, the shower will reach it's peak for North America late Friday and Saturday nights, August 11-12-13.  However, the prescence of moonlight and artificial light may interfere.  Still, the brightest meteors can be seen easily with the naked eye.  The best time to go outside and find a nice comfy spot to lay down and watch is when it picks up after midnight, though "shooting stars" as we used to call them, will be visible before then.  You need only adapt your eyes to the darkness before they really get going.  The brightest may sail across the heavens for several seconds and leave a brief train of glowing smoke.  If you trace the direction of that trail backwards, you'll see the "radiant" or what looks like the origin, of the Perseids, which is a spot in the constellation Perseus, who was son-in-law of Cassiopeia in Greek mythology.  They are located near each other.  I adore Greek mythology, don't you?  Again, you need only your eyes for this, use a scope of course if you have one, and be amazed once again. 

Anyone who wants these alerts from Sky & Telecope Magazine just click this link and halfway down the page you'll see "Talk about it" where you can just click "Alert Me..."    Sky & Telescope- Watch for the Perseid Meteors Aug. 11-13 - AOL Research & Learn