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The Perseids Meteor Shower is a Light Show You Shouldn’t Miss This August




Last month of July, the skies have been blessed with the Southern Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower and the once in a lifetime visit from the Comet NEOWISE. As the month of August enters, more interesting astronomical events await, including another meteor shower.

Here are the following astronomical events to look forward to in this month of August as recently released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).


August 2020 List of Astronomical Events

The Perseids Meteor Shower

Since, according to PAGASA, August is one of the most popular times of the year to observe meteor showers, it is expected that the well known Perseids Meteor Shower is going to be witnessed within the month.

What is Perseids Meteor Shower?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that the Perseids Meteor Shower is considered the best meteor shower of the year with fifty to one hundred (50-100) meteors can be seen per hour. This meteor shower typically peaks in mid-August.

It has very fast and bright meteors which usually leave behind long wakes of color and light. Wakes, as defined by NASA, are the brief glow behind the meteor head which often lasts for one to ten (1-10) seconds.

Other than its plentiful showers and long wakes, Perseids are also known for their fireballs.

When can Perseids Meteor Shower be Observed?

The famous Perseids Meteor Shower will peak on August 12-13, 2020, and can be observed during the late evening and early morning hours of the said dates. During its peak time, at least fifty (50) or more meteors will be observed.

How can you View the Perseids Meteor Shower?

The radiant or the point in the sky from which the Perseids Meteor Shower appears to come from is the constellation Perseus. If the sky permits, it can be seen located in the eastern horizon during this month.

Meteors can be easiest observed if there is no moonlight. With that said, the waxing gibbous Moon may, unfortunately,  interfere the observations of fainter meteors based on the report of PAGASA.


Other Events in August 2020

DATE EVENT TIME (PhST)
August 2, 2020 Saturn 2.4° south of the Moon 9:00 PM
August 9, 2020 Moon at apogee (farthest distance to Earth = 404,700 km) 9:50 PM
August 13, 2020 Venus elongation 45.8° W 9:00 AM
August 15, 2020 Venus 4.2° N of Moon 9:00 PM
August 17, 2020 Pollux 4.6° south of the Moon 3:00 AM
August 17, 2020 Mercury superior conjunction 11:00 PM
August 21, 2020 Moon at perigee (nearest distance to Earth = 363,500 km) 6:57 PM
August 30, 2020 Saturn 2.3° south of the Moon 1:00 AM

These are what to watch out for this month of August. Mark your calendars as early as today not to miss the upcoming meteor shower and at least some of the other events.

For More News and Updates

For more news and updates, frequently visit our Baguio City Guide website or simply like and follow our official Baguio City Guide Facebook page. You may also drop by our official Baguio City Guide YouTube channel for a variety of video content.

 

SOURCE

PAGASA

NASA

NASA Leonid

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