Make A Wish! Shooting Stars -
Observation tips
You don’t need much in the way of equipment: a clear, dark and cloudless sky (light pollution from cities spoils the experience), a lawn chair or a mat to lie on, warm clothing (even in late summer!), a notebook and pencil to keep count of how many meteors you see, a dim flashlight and, for would-be photographers, a camera on a sturdy tripod. And remember your wish list, too, of course!
Then just lie back in your chair or on the ground and keep your eyes to the left or right of the spot in the sky where the shooting stars seem to originate, in the Perseus constellation. You won’t have to wait long.
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• To see the Perseids, you'll need a sky that's as
clear and dark as possible, with nothing blocking your view, and you'll have
to keep your eyes wide open!
• Don't bother with binoculars or a telescope, as their field of vision
is too small. Lie down on your back (a lawn chair with the back set at a 45°
angle will support your head comfortably) and let your gaze wander across the
sky, about halfway up from the horizon.
• It's best to avoid looking at any bright lights that could make
it difficult for your eyes to adjust.
• To keep a more permanent record of your observations, take along
a pen and notebook, and note down the time of each shooting star you see. Better
yet, team up with friends and family, with each person watching a different
part of the sky.
• Although it's a special occasion, warm clothing is preferable to
party garb, and bring along a plastic tarp to keep off the dew. August nights
can be cool and damp!
• Finally, remember to bring along a thermos of hot chocolate and
your wish list!
Happy
stargazing!
Source : Montreal Planetarium
What is a shooting star?
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