Perseid Meteor Shower 2012

Tonight begins one of the three best nights to see the annual summertime meteor shower known as the Perseids. This year we should should have an especially good display because the moon is but a sliver and there are several planets that will be quite easy to see as a bonus. Here is a link to NASA that will give you more information:

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/10aug_perseids/

While sometimes not knowing what will happen is a great "hook" in science, I also find that knowing what you are about to see can increase not only your learning curve but also your enjoyment. So I'll relate how I prepare for meteor shower viewing. Before the sun goes down tonight, I will move my lounge chair into an open spot in the back garden and point it towards the east for the best viewing. I will try to keep all streetlights out of my line of vision. I will set a basket filled with mosquito spray, a fogger, bottled water and perhaps a light shawl next to it. That way, when I creep out of bed at 3 am, all I'll have to do is stumble out the back door and flop onto the chaise to watch. I'll include a pair of binoculars as well though I'll probably just use them to peer a bit closer at the planets. I'll sit and wait until my eyes adjust. (It generally takes about 10-15 minutes.) Then I'll lay back and try to keep count of how many "shooting stars" I see. There is an app that you can download to help scientists and I hope you do so! Science is for everyone! More eyes = better data so download your app and be prepared to record what you see. (Be sure to dim your screen so that you don't ruin your night vision, or wait to record your data when you are finished.)

Someday I hope to teach in space but for now, I will content myself with teaching in Pflugerville and keeping my eyes on the skies.