Camas resident Doug Tweet shares information on the annual Perseid Meteor shower
This weekend there is the possibility to see two celestial events. The annual Perseid Meteor shower is expected to be visible with a forecast of clear skies. Northern lights may also be seen in northern Clark County. Following are tips about how to view these heavenly lights.
The “Perseids,” one of the strongest meteor showers of the year, peaks the night of Sunday, Aug. 11. It is named after the constellation Perseus, out of which the meteors appear to emerge (see photo). Perseus is found just above the northeastern horizon.
Meteors should be visible for several days before and after the peak, but the moon can wash them out. Fortunately, the moon is in a crescent phase, setting about 10:31 pm August 9, getting brighter each evening and setting at 11:34 p.m. Sunday. Assuming no clouds, viewing will be best after the moon sets.
It is ideal to find a dark place away from city lights, but at the same time you need to let your eyes adapt to the darkness. This can take 20-30 minutes. Staring at your cell phone screen can keep your eyes from adjusting. If you need light to walk around, make a red light, e.g. by taping red cellophane over a flashlight; red light does not bother your night vision so much.
A good way to enjoy the Perseids is to set out a lawn chair, dress warmly enough for the weather, and look mostly straight up but with a view to the north. Just use your own two eyes; no telescope or binoculars are needed (they actually make it harder to spot meteors). In dark conditions 50 meteors an hour could be expected.
In addition, there is the chance to see the northern lights (aurora), but you will likely need to travel further north from Vancouver. Aurora is expected to be visible above the northern horizon at least both tonight and tomorrow night (August 9 and 10). https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/communities/aurora-dashboard-experimental. The same recommendations for viewing meteors also work for northern lights. Key is to give your eyes time to adapt to the dark. The only difference is that your cell phone camera will come in useful, since it is more sensitive to dim light and colors than your eyes. To your naked eye the aurora may appear as a haze, but your camera may reveal reds and greens. However, try not to stare at your screen, ruining your night vision.
Hope you get a chance to see an aurora with a meteor streaking through.
Doug Tweet
Camas
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