As I noted in an earlier post, Summer nights seem to make people want to go out and do some astronomy. Great idea!
One of the easier things to do is plan a Meteor Watch Party.
What is the best tool to view a meteor shower? The naked eye. Even tho we know the general area to look around during a shower peak, we need to keep our vision wide. No better tool for that than the ones our Creator gave us.
A dark sky location is also helpful. Our backyard may seem dark enough, but if we are in the city or the suburbs, we might be missing out on all but the brightest meteors due to light pollution. Ideally, we want to be at our dark sky location for a while with no lights on to let our eyes fully acclimate to the dark.
Now, get comfortable, this party will take a while. Oddly, every time a major shower comes around, things get posted on the internet that make it seem as tho we are about to be swimming in a sea of light just as if we had a thousand lightening bugs suddenly buzz us. It's not going to be like that. (Pity, too, because that kind of over the top posting tends to disappoint people. I would rather someone know the real story, plan for it, enjoy it, share it, and come back for more.) But it is going to be very entertaining.
I like to set up lawn chairs. Adjust them so that you are looking about 30 to 60 degrees up. Find out what constellation they are supposed to originate from. (Ex: Geminid shower originates from the constellation of Gemini)
Face that direction (will be usually be easterly, since we are using the Earth's atmosphere as a giant windshield to catch these cosmic fireflies), and wait. Maybe listen to the night sounds, talk quietly with your companions, or hum the Star Wars theme under your breath.
Soon, you will see one. Maybe several appear near the same time. Some will pass to your left, others to your right, some right overhead. A couple of them might even be fireballs! That's always exciting. Count them, write it down, and send that data to NASA.
Best time to be out at your dark sky location for Meteor Shower Watch Party is very early morning. 2:00AM to 4:00AM often works well. Check www.space.com for updates as to best night and time for each shower.
Most of all, enjoy yourself. If you can't make it out to a dark sky location, do it in your backyard. Find a spot that has no glare from any exposed house or street lights. Take along bug repellent, some water, and a tasty treat or two.
Have a great time, fellow stargazers, and Keep Looking Up!
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