D0njo
Well-Known Member
"Every year on August 12th the Perseids reach maximum in their annual shower which spans 2 weeks either side of this date. In 2010, maximum is expected around 01:00hrs on the morning of Friday the 13th. After twillight look towards the northeast for the W-shaped constellation of Cassiopeia. Perseus will gradually rise from the horizon beneath it as the night progresses, remaining above ground for Irish observers all night." Perseids occur as a result of Earth clashing with the dust tail left behind by Comet 109/P Swift-Tuttle, which travels in an orbit crossing near Earth every 134 years, the last pass happening in 1992. Most of this is sand-like and collides with the upper atmosphere at speeds of around 34km/s (122,000km/h). This high speed makes the meteors burn fast and bright, often a blue/white colour. You could expect around 50 to 100 meteors per hour during the night especially around maximum. Fireballs regularly occur.
http://www.tullamoreastronomy.com/Pe...hower-2010.pdf
http://www.tullamoreastronomy.com/Pe...hower-2010.pdf