The Sewing Mom

Will you be staying up late tonight to watch?  I’m not talking about television here, I’m talking about the Perseid’s Meteor shower that is taking place tonight.  This meteor shower apparently occurs every August, however, tonight is one of the best viewings because there will be little to no moonlight.  Last year was considered something of a dud because it was a full moon which made it difficult to see the meteor.   These meteors will begin from a point in the northeastern sky, just below Cassiopeia and will shoot off in any old direction.  They will be visible with the naked eye and in fact, are best viewed without the use of binoculars or telescopes.   The only requirements are that you find dark sky, away from city lights.  As a bonus, Mars will also be clearly visible as a red light which will distinguish it from other stars.

 I am looking forward to viewing this event with my daughter who has never seen a “falling star”.   I remember in the 1980’s driving across Arizona with my parents and my husband.  It was very dark as it is in the desert and a  spectacularly clear night, millions of stars could be seen.  Through the windshield we began seeing falling stars, one right after another.  It was truly amazing and we just had to pull off the road, get out of the vehicle and enjoy the show.  It is something I will never forget.  I want my daughter to experience this as well, it’s such an amazing event to share.   We all ready have our chairs set up outside facing the northeastern sky.  Now we just have to hope that the neighbors won’t turn their porch light on tonight!