Where does the sun set?

[**Clem**]

I know it's an easy question but it's one of those simple facts that I've forgotten!
I want to see the meteor shower tomorrow night and have been advised to look north-east but have no compass so was going to work it out according to where the sun sets. Is it west or south-west or something?
Many thanks, Clem x

[shammydodger]

The sun sets due west on the spring (vernal) equinox and the autumn equinox. After the spring equinox and before the autumn equinox, it will set north of west. So, tomorrow night, when the sun sets, that will be north of west (about north-westish). So, turn about 90 degrees clockwise from that direction to look north-east towards the meteor shower.

[mr_pointment]

make yourself a compass

http://www.units.muohio.edu/dragonfly/find/fin d/compass.shtml

dont miss the meteor shower,or mabe you might like to watch the ISS pass over

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings /cities/region.cgi?country=United_Kingdom®i on=England

just click where you live

[drestie]

Just a note, apparently the best chance of actually seeing anything is between 8:30-10PM tomorrow and Saturday nights. If you look later in the evening, the almost-full moon will spoil the visibility. The early meteors should run in a North/South direction straight overhead. Good Luck!

[JamesEverton]

Probably a bit late in the day but which meteor shower are we talking about? Which part of the sky do I need to look at? Thanks.

[JamesEverton]

Hmm.. a bit of rummaging around suggests the Perseids (?). Probably not much chance of me seeing anything as I'm in London (plus the full moon). Re-reading Clem's question, I guess I should be squinting north-eastwards.

[gen2]

The meteors will not necessarily be in the NE. They could streak across the sky almost anywhere but if you track back along the lines of the meteor trails, they will converge on the constellation of Perseus which rises in the NE.

[**Clem**]

Thanks everyone for your answers. Unfortunately I didn't see anything but there's always next year!
Thanks again, Clem x

[gen2]

. . . but the peak is supposed to be tonight, Saturday the 12th Aug.