We aren’t quite sure if the peak will be Sunday/Monday night or Monday/Tuesday night. I am betting on the former rather than the latter, just because it suits me better.
The moon is around 30% waxing but shouldn’t pose a problem. Cloud cover might be a problem. Several meteors a minute might be a possibility. The Perseids are associated with more fireballs than the average meteor shower. Fireballs are huge streaks of light that seem to graze the surface of the earth, caused by larger than average debris particles from the comet Tuttle-Swift.
The most important thing is to get out of town. Manassas is a high light pollution area. The Battlefield used to be a great place to view, right around the old picnic area. That is no more. There is probably too much light pollution now anyway. Another alternative would be Silver Lake. I was told that an astronomy group would have to hire its own cop if the gates were to be left open for a celestial event. (My tax dollars at work.) The Skyline Drive is open at night for the really adventuresome. I might hit the gates of Silver Lake with the grandchildren and see how things look from that vantage point. If all else fails, I will go lurk outside Elena’s house.
Recommended apps: ipad or iphone: Star Walk
