ChatterBank0 min ago
Perseids meteor shower
Will I be able to see the Perseids meteor shower from southern africa. I have heard that it is only visible in the northern hemishere but was wondering whether it was worth having a look. When is the next ne that will be visible in the southern hemisphere.
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August 12, from about 2300 hours to midnight would be best-viewed from a zone running from the Near East to east Asia, including Japan, although the later the peak occurs, the less favourable places east in this region would be (possibly as late as 0200 hours). The August 13 timing would be visible from the extreme west of both Europe and North Africa westwards to the eastern seaboard of North America and northern South America, over the North Atlantic Ocean. The only negative aspect to the shower is the impossibility of covering it from the bulk of the southern hemisphere. (Source: International Meteor Organization) (By the way, thank the passage of Comet Swift-Tuttle, through whose tail the Earth is just now approaching, for the dramatic shower display)
I see that you have a secondary question that I just noticed. August is the month for Perseids, and that's primarily, as stated, in the northern hemisphere. Your best bet will be GEMINIDS (Dec 14). Strongest annual shower, visible all night everywhere. Excellent 12-3 a.m., rates over 70/hr. Dec 13 is strong as Perseids. Dec 9-12 also good; Dec 15 shower nearly disappears. Consistent fireball period for a day after absolute peak is passed. Medium-speed meteors, colorful and fairly bright, trains rare.
But watch for ORIONIDS (Oct 21 )as well.... Broad max, often undiminished to Oct. 25. Also good Oct 16-20 dwindles rapidly after Oct 25. Visible after midnight everywhere, best 2 a.m. to dawn, rates to 25/hr. Swift, many trains.
But watch for ORIONIDS (Oct 21 )as well.... Broad max, often undiminished to Oct. 25. Also good Oct 16-20 dwindles rapidly after Oct 25. Visible after midnight everywhere, best 2 a.m. to dawn, rates to 25/hr. Swift, many trains.
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