If you didn’t happen to be outside the other night…

you missed quite a show!

This photo was taken by Kenneth Snyder over at Sleeping Bear Dunes & was posted on the Pure Michigan website. Check out either website for more night-time beauty. http://unifiedphoto.com/2012/04/sleeping-bear-dunes-gallery/ or kennethsnyder.com‎

I’m lucky enough to have a dog who always thinks it’s necessary to go out for one more trip down the street late at night. Many times I stumble along behind him wishing for my pillow & an extra few moments of sleep, but the other night I had to thank him because the stars were out in all their finery, including that creamy celestial highway known as the Milky Way.

That got me thinking about the upcoming meteors shower.

Here’s what you need to know…

•      Technically called the Perseids meteor shower, it’s occurring now, but the peak is set to occur next Sunday & Monday night the 11th & 12th.
•      It is so named because most of the activity seems to occur near the Perseus constellation.
•      The space dust that generates the meteors comes along the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet which orbits our sun every 130 years.
•      It’s that space dust that creates what we all think of as shooting stars.
•      The Perseids meteor shower has been observed for about 2000 years.
•      Most of the meteors are seen in the Northern Hemisphere. (yeah)!

compliments of http://www.skyandthetelescope.com

Now the fun part…

First of all Perseus – he was a Greek demigod who rescued the beautiful Andromeda who had been chained to a rock. When she was attacked by a sea monster Perseus happened along & saved the day! He is also credited with slaying the Gorgon Medusa (think snakes writhing all over the Gorgon’s head), so hosting meteors seems right up his alley.

As far as finding the right place to look…here’s a link that is simple & useful…http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/228304-perseid-meteor-shower-peak-2013-when-to-watch-where-to-go/

And of course the details…

• Best viewing times will be after midnight…the moon will have set & it will be really dark! That may necessitate a nap before hand for many of us but it could be worth it!
• Wear something warm, soft, & cuddly – you will be sleepy after all & want the comfort. Take a blanket & pillow.
• Carry along some creative snick-snacks. The biggest decision there will be salty or sweet.
• Wear a patient hat…it takes awhile for your eyes to adjust to the dark & you may not see them as quickly as you like.
• Whatever happens, enjoy the night sky & the fresh air…unless it rains.

Me…I’m off to wait for the sunset!!!