If the clouds allow it, this coming night and tomorrow will be the ones with the greatest presence of Perseids in the skies of the northern hemisphere. Between one and two shooting stars can be observed per minute.
The Lieutenant of the Navy of the Royal Navy Astronomy Observatory in San Fernando (ROA) Víctor de Ory, explained today to Radio Cádiz that the phenomenon is caused by remnants of dust and rock from the comet Sweet Tappel, about 25 kilometers in diameter, through whose orbit the Earth passes. When entering the atmosphere at high speeds (60km / per second) the remains of the comet burn, generating the characteristic flash of summer nights.
The expert has recommended looking for an observation point away from light pollution (beaches or open fields), going in advance so that the eye can get used to the conditions of lack of light and direct attention to the north and northeast
This year, in addition, if the nights are clear, the show will be seen more easily because the moon is in a waxing phase and is hidden below the horizon at 23.24 hours (local time in Cádiz), avoiding excess light in the celestial dome, the ROA technician has detailed.
The name ‘Perseid’ responds to the area of the sky in which meteors appear. For an observer located on Earth, shooting stars will appear to come from the same point (radiant) and this place is located on the Constellation Perseus, named after the mythological hero who beheaded Medusa.
Listen to the interview here:
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