If weather’s clear,
we’ll see Perseids here

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By Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.com

Islanders will be able to see the annual Perseid meteor shower this weekend -- if it isn't cloudy and the moon isn't in the way.

"The Perseids are a very reliable shower," said Mike Shanahan, Bishop Museum Planetarium manager. "It's a matter of trying to find time when the moon isn't interfering."

Often called "Old Faithful," the Perseid showers run from July 23 to Aug. 22. They will reach their peak Saturday and Sunday. The moon will rise at about midnight and be in the sky during all morning hours.

About 40 streaks or more per hour are expected during the shower, Shanahan said.

The best times to look are from about 11:30 p.m. Saturday to 12:05 a.m. Sunday and around 1 a.m. Monday, he said.

The actual peak will have passed by Monday, but the moon won't be up until 1:30 a.m., Shanahan said.

"Brighter ones will be visible even when the moon is up, but it really cuts down on viewing of the Perseids," he said.

Perseid observers should find a dark location and look to the northeast.

The Perseids appear to come from the constellation of Perseus the hero.

Records of the shower go back to Chinese sky annuals of the first century, Shanahan said