firbeck 859 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Tonight and tomorrow night ( mainly ), we should be able to see the Perseids Meteor shower, assuming the sky is clear. From previous experience, it's usually at it's peak just after midnight and originates from the North Eastern section of the sky in the direction of the constellation Perseus. Even if you have no particular interest in 'astral events' I can assure you that it can be quite impressive to watch. 2 years ago we were holidaying in a farm cottage in Exmoor and the display was quite stunning, the kids had a big roof light in their room and were just lying in bed watching it, constantly oohing and arring as these things were flashing across the sky. Even if you live in the city with light pollution, they should be visible. Can you set your camera up with the shutter open Beefsteak, I don't know how it works with a digi, if conditions are right, I may try it with my film camera as luckily, the direction of Perseus is right over our adjacent nature reserve, so despite being more or less in the town, there will be very little light pollution. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 How long does it last? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
firbeck 859 Posted August 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 You should start seeing things as soon as it gets dark, otherwise, it depends on how long you can stand sitting outside. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Frank 13 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 I'm in bed for 9 and up at 5. can you tape it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Bloody typical, heavily over cast and raining. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlebro 234 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Clear sky here at the moment but no meteor show as yet. I will keep looking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlebro 234 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Well, its cloudy now. Ah well, check again tomorrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Mostly cloudy towards North East! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Sky now clear see stars but nothing moving? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
firbeck 859 Posted August 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Well, that was a non event. I stayed up till midnight then had another look at about 1:30, I reckon I saw fewer meteorites than normal, but the bright moon didn't help, then later it turned cloudy and I gather it's going to rain all day and tonight when the meteor shower is supposed to be at it's peak. I notice Google are making a thing of it on their web page, they must be on the other side of the world. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 I went to bed around 00:20, saw nothing up till then, not even over Bill's Mothers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 It's still over cast and the forecast is no better for later. (It's the same every year for me for some reason !!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fynger 841 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 The annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak this evening and could fill the night sky with hundreds of streaks of light. The phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes through a stream debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. Forecasters say rain and cloud could obscure the spectacle for people in southern areas. The best views will be in the Midlands, the north of England and the northwest of Scotland Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 I wish the forecasters would come up here to this North West, and show me a gap in the clouds!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loppylugs 8,427 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 We had a dirty great thunderstorm last night so we did get a light show, but not quite the one we were expecting. Oh well! Maybe tonight. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Just nipped out for a crafty stogie and caught a little glimmer between the clouds, so strike one here (But only a tiddler , going out in a bit with a glass of Merlot to see if it's cleared up any) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
firbeck 859 Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 After raining all day it was lovely and clear here all evening till it got dark, then it clouded over and rained again, kept looking until 12:30 then gave up and went to bed. Woke up at 3:30, still overcast, just got up and it's clear again, sods law. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Went out a bit later and it was still overcast, and had to do a rethink on the meteor I saw, as I saw another this time too, turned out to be a plane coming out of Manchester , so the first one was probably the same.!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted August 12, 2013 Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 I shall be up at that bedroom window in the early hours,looking skywards for The Perseids Meteor Shower, I love a good shooting star show, watch it be one of the rare nights that i go to sleep,just when i don't want to. Happy Star Gazing all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 12, 2013 Report Share Posted August 12, 2013 Had a wander out last night and saw one, tonight I had a look for about 10 minutes and didn't see any, I went out again (in my stocking feet) about 10 minutes ago and got my feet wet through as it had decided to pour down in the intervening hour or so !! Did I ever tell you our Charlotte arrived on a 'Shooting Star' ? It's her birthday today (13th) I was outside the maternity unit grabbing a crafty cigar, when this massive shooting star shot across the heavens, I took it as an omen, went back in side and twenty minutes later this six and a half pound bundle of absolute joy landed in my hands !! (Got a tear in my eye now) Happy 10th birthday Charlotte. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Booth 7,364 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 Happy birthday, Charlotte. I hope you enjoy your special day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 Happy Birthday Charlotte Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 PS It was a Beautiful clear night here in W-ton, I was up at the window at 12.30am...2am....3.30am and then at 6am (tode ya ah dint sleep dint ah) and i saw all the usual star formations at their best, (sorry i know the names, but don't know which is which) Anyway i stared at the sky until i wuz bozz eyed and even hallucinating about shooting stars,Eventually I got on my own nerves imagining i saw one. So i made a cup of tea and got on Nottstalga. Some lucky people according to the news had a really good view, NOT ME. Lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darkazana 1,736 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 Happy Birthday Charlotte. (Good choice of name by the way, my eldest is called Charlotte) Didn't know the Perseids were due last night, and it was a lovely clear night here in Moffat!! Though my youngest saw a good show in Newark. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted August 13, 2013 Report Share Posted August 13, 2013 Charlottes says to say thankyou I had three more separate 'goes' of 10 minutes and didn't see any more !! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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