What constellations can you see in the Moscow region?

This trend, a relatively recent occurrence in Russia, has emerged due to the desire of tourists to embark on a quest to witness the majestic spectacle of the aurora borealis. In the past, only a select few ventured to the Murmansk region to marvel at the vibrant hues dancing across the sky, as well as the dazzling stars of the polar night.

However, these excursions are now gaining popularity, and one does not necessarily have to travel to the ends of the earth – one can witness this natural phenomenon not only beyond the Arctic Circle, but also in other seasons besides winter. For instance, even in April 2023, the northern lights were observed in Moscow! And as for the stars, they are closer than they may appear.

Why bother gazing at the stars? There are numerous advantages to doing so. Over the years, people have acquired the ability to identify the changing seasons and navigate through space thanks to the stars. Furthermore, the observations made by scientists have enabled us to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. Additionally, stargazing has become a popular romantic pastime, especially with the availability of modern applications that allow anyone to access star maps.

By the way, if you’re interested in exploring the night sky and learning to recognize constellations, a visit to the Moscow Planetarium is highly recommended. This will provide you with a head start in understanding what to search for in the sky and how to locate prominent celestial bodies.

A brief overview of physics

What exactly is the activity of stargazing? It involves observing celestial bodies, such as stars, which do not actually plummet to the ground. Instead, what we witness are minuscule fragments of a comet that passed through a specific section of the sky over a century ago – these fragments are known as meteors. Upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere, they swiftly and brilliantly disintegrate. It is important not to mistake a meteor shower for a meteorite shower, as the latter occurs when a large meteoroid breaks apart and its fragments descend to the Earth’s surface.

Astronomy season

The prime period for observing celestial bodies is during the month of August. It is during this time, specifically on the night of August 12th to the 13th, that the Earth passes through the most intense meteor shower of the year, known as the Perseids. This meteor shower takes its name from the tail of the Swift-Tuttle Comet, which was first identified in 1862 by American astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle. The stream of dust particles emitted by the comet originates in the region of the sky where the constellation Perseus is situated, hence the name. This captivating phenomenon can be witnessed annually by individuals residing in the Northern Hemisphere.

If you didn’t get a chance to see the Perseids, don’t worry: there are several meteor showers throughout the year. For instance, towards the end of December and beginning of January, the sky is graced by the Quadrantids. Quadrantids During their peak, you can witness one or two shooting “stars” per minute. And in mid-April, we have the Lyrids, which can rival the Perseids in terms of the number of meteors.

But wait, there’s more! In May, we have the Eta Aquarids and the daytime Arietids (more often heard than seen), in June – the Boötids, in October – the Draconids and Orionids, in November – the Leonids, and in December – the Geminids.

Weather conditions

Prior to embarking on a stargazing adventure, it is advisable to examine the weather forecast. You can refer to the weather forecast as well as the celestial activity calendar, which are accessible through specialized applications or on the StarWalk Space website. Additionally, reputable news outlets often provide information about upcoming eclipses and planetary alignments.

It is important to keep in mind that factors such as a full moon or heavy fog can significantly impact visibility, even during optimal stargazing conditions. Generally, the most favorable time for stargazing is between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, with the activity typically peaking after midnight.

How to select an ideal location

There is an abundance of satellite cities surrounding Moscow, making it challenging to discover areas with minimal light pollution. To assist in determining the best direction for your travels, consult a light map that displays the level of light pollution in the sky within the Moscow region. If you desire an authentic experience of a dark, starry sky, it is recommended to venture at least one hundred kilometers beyond the Moscow Ring Road, towards the neighboring regions. Additionally, to avoid any unexpected obstacles on your journey, it is advisable to arrive at your destination in advance or even conduct a daytime inspection beforehand.

For those who are not prepared to seek out dimly lit areas for stargazing, there are specialized tours guided by experienced astronomers. The best option for this type of family recreational activity is to contact a store that sells and repairs telescopes. Additionally, during the "Pushchino Perseids" festival in Pushchino, you can participate in an evening “stroll” through the sky with telescopes. This event takes place every year in mid-August, when the meteor shower is at its peak.

If you are not willing to venture far outside the city, you can begin your exploration of the stars at the People’s Observatory located in Gorky Park.

Where in the Moscow region can you observe the Perseids meteor shower?

During warm summer evenings, one can enjoy not only strolling under the moonlight but also organizing a genuine star-gazing experience. Particularly on the night of August 12th, one can witness the Perseids meteor shower. In urban areas, this can be quite challenging due to the interference from streetlights, making it difficult to see anything even on clear nights. Therefore, it is advisable to venture to the Moscow region, where there are several observatories equipped with telescopes. For more information on where to go for stargazing, refer to the article “360”.

What is the Perseids meteor stream

The Perseids meteor stream is known for being one of the most abundant and brightest meteor showers. It occurs annually, typically around the same dates, with its peak usually falling on the night of August 11-12.

Dmitry Vibe, the Head of the Department of Physics and Evolution of Stars at the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained to “360” that meteor showers are the remnants of disintegrating comet nuclei.

“As a comet orbits the Sun, it leaves behind a cloud of particles that can vary in size,” he explained.

These particles are typically small pebbles, although sometimes they can be as large as a meter in size. When they enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds, they heat up and vaporize, leaving behind a brief trail.

“Particles are generated by specific comets and have a specific position in Earth’s orbit. Every year, Earth intersects with these particles on the same dates,” he provided an explanation.

As per the specialist, this phenomenon can be observed worldwide and is visible to the naked eye. The crucial factors are a clear sky and unobstructed horizon. Nonetheless, the further away from Moscow one is, the more visible the fiery particles become due to minimal city light interference. For individuals interested in witnessing the meteor shower up close, “360” has compiled a list of the nearest observatories to the capital.

The Zvenigorod Astronomical Observatory is involved in the study of comets, meteors, and satellite observation. In 2009, this scientific facility, which is part of the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The observatory’s primary instrument is the SAU (high-precision astronomical installation), a unique satellite camera that allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites. In addition to the main camera, the observatory also operates several other telescopes and astronomical instruments.

The observatory is also home to the “glass archive,” a collection of photographic plates containing images of the night sky captured throughout the observatory’s history. These plates are currently being digitized.

Excursions and classes with schoolchildren are regularly conducted at the observatory. Additionally, there are open days available for the public to visit. To find out the upcoming dates for these events, it is necessary to contact the Institute of Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The contact information can be found on their official website.

The most convenient way to reach the observatory is by taking a train from Belorussky railway station to the “Zvenigorod” station. From there, one can board bus number 24 and alight at the “Lutsino” stop, where the chapel is situated. If you face away from the chapel, the observatory can be seen at the far end of the field.

Puschino Radio Astronomy Observatory

Situated in the urban district of Pushchino, the Puschino Radio Astronomy Observatory stands as the oldest scientific institution in Russia. A visit to this science town is a must, if only to witness the impressive 22-meter diameter antenna of the radio telescope. This remarkable instrument has been instrumental in the study of the planets within our solar system as well as the satellites of Jupiter.

The radio telescope serves as the conduit for all the invaluable information collected from space. Launched in 2011, it now orbits the Earth at a distance of 10,000 kilometers, while venturing as far as 300,000 kilometers away.

Using radio telescopes, which are located at the observatory, scientists are able to study the fluctuations of the plasma near the sun. This plasma acts as a lens, allowing radiation to pass through. The frequency of these fluctuations determines the occurrence of solar auroras and magnetic storms. Scientists also examine the radiation emitted by pulsars, which are brief flashes of light that last about one second.

If you visit in August, you can attend the “Pushchino Perseids” astronomical festival. In addition to the open day and guided tours of the observatory, you can also witness the annual Perseid meteor shower in the evening.

In the event of cloudy skies, festival attendees can enjoy watching space-themed movies in the observatory auditorium, which is also a great option.

The alternative option is to use the subway and get off at Lesoparkovaya station. From there, you can take bus number 359 and easily reach the renowned “Shop Bunny”.

Ka-Dar Observatory

Located in the village of Kuzminskoye in the Domodedovo urban district, the Ka-Dar Observatory is a unique two-storey building featuring an astronomical platform on its rooftop. Established in 2004 with the support of the Astronomy Support Fund, this private observatory was strategically chosen due to its distance from the bright city lights of Moscow. As a result, it offers an unobstructed horizon free from buildings and trees. The first floor provides comfortable spaces for both employees and visitors to relax, while the second floor houses the telescope control center.

When visitors take a tour, they will receive information about the observatory’s history, have the opportunity to explore the starry sky, and view celestial objects through a telescope.

To reach Kuzminskoye village in the Domodedovo urban district, one can take an electric train from Paveletskiy railway station. From there, proceed to the “Barybino” station and board any of the following buses: 404, 505, 56, or 60. Disembark at the “Pereezd” bus stop, and then continue on foot to the village of Kuzminskoye.

Lytkarino Planetarium: A Unique Experience

Located on the premises of the Lytkarinsky optical glass plant, an observatory has been operating for several years. It is an integral part of the interactive optical center called “Lytkarino,” which is a collaborative project between the plant and the local history and local history museum.

This facility offers educational excursions for students and schoolchildren. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore various telescopes and learn about the different types of mirrors used in these devices. Additionally, they will have the chance to discover fascinating facts about constellations and, weather permitting, observe celestial objects through the telescope at the local observatory.

One of the highlights of the visit is the ability to observe solar prominences and other dynamic processes occurring on our star, the Sun. With more than 20 different excursions available, there is something to suit every interest and age group.

Please note that the planetarium itself is temporarily closed for restoration work, and the starry sky dome has been dismantled. However, the observatory remains open, providing a unique and educational experience for visitors.

You can reach the planetarium by taking an electric train. The train departs from Kazansky railway station. Head to the “Tomilino” station. From there, you will need to transfer to bus number 29. Get off at the “DK” “Mir” stop.

If you want to observe the starry sky on your own, it is crucial to select a location with minimal light pollution. There are limited options in the Moscow region, so it is advisable to venture into nature and choose a field or meadow.

To locate a suitable spot for setting up your own telescope, you can utilize an online map that shows the level of sky illumination in the region. Look for areas marked in blue or violet.

Operating hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays
“Retro Café”: open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on days when the Planetarium is open.

+7 (495) 221-76-90
Planetarium JSC © 2017. Moscow, Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya street 5, building 1

Astronomical prediction for May 2023

Date: 25.04.2023

May brings the spring Sun, the second opportunity for stargazing this spring, and a lunar eclipse.

May 3 is. World Sun Day
May 5– there will be a penumbral eclipse of the Moon
May 17 – the Moon will eclipse Jupiter

Stargazers:

The May Aquarids meteor shower, which originates from Halley’s Comet, will be visible throughout the month of May. The peak of the meteor shower will be on the night of May 5-6, with up to 50 meteors per hour expected. However, the conditions for meteor sightings in 2023 are unfavorable.

Calendar. May 2023

Notable dates and events in the fields of astronomy and astronautics for the month of May:

480 years ago, back in May 1543, a groundbreaking work by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) titled “On the Rotations of the Heavenly Spheres” was published. This book is considered one of the most significant in the history of astronomy as it introduced a new heliocentric system of the world. Copernicus proposed that the various visible movements of celestial bodies, including the Sun’s daily and annual movements, as well as the sideways movements of planets, were not their true motions, but rather a result of the Earth’s axial rotation and its orbital revolution around the Sun. The doctrine put forward by Copernicus had a profound impact on the understanding of the nature of reality, suggesting that what is visible is just one aspect of a complex and multifaceted reality. This groundbreaking concept had far-reaching implications and greatly influenced the subsequent development of natural science.

On May 2, 1903, Ruvim Ilyich Tsvetov was born, marking the 120th anniversary of his birth. Tsvetov was not only an astronomer but also a gifted inventor and designer. He is best known as the founder of the Astronomical Site of the Moscow Planetarium.

Ruvim Ilyich Tsvetov was born in Poltava on May 2, 1903. During the 1920s, he pursued his studies at both the Saratov and Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, focusing on astronomy and geodesy. Before the war, Ruvim Ilyich joined the Moscow Planetarium and actively contributed to its establishment. His main goal was to establish a museum dedicated to the history of astronomy, featuring an innovative display that would effectively illustrate the movement of celestial bodies across the sky. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war hindered this plan. After the war, Ruvim Ilyich returned to the Planetarium and, along with a new team of lecturers, was determined to bring his original vision to life and create an Astronomical site in time for Moscow’s 800th anniversary in the fall of 1947.

And who can now acknowledge that the humble square of the planetarium, where black globes spin at night, was gifted to Moscow by Tsvetov? This square is known as Astroploschadka. Its beauty has been recognized by the entire world … (B.A. Maximachev)

May 2023 Astronomical Celestial Calendar

This calendar provides the astronomical events for May 2023, based on Moscow time (and later in the review). Tmsk = UT + 3h (where UT is Universal Time).
The Moon has various phases: F = 0.00 (new moon), F = 0.50+ (first quarter), 1.00 (full moon), F = 0.50- (last quarter); for the luminaries – their stellar magnitude is +-0.0m.

May 2 – Inner conjunction of Mercury with the Sun at 02:22
May 4 – Moon (F = 0.97+) passes 3.3° north of Spica (+1.0m) at 07:00
May 5 – A penumbral lunar eclipse visible from Russia; The eclipse will occur from 18:15 to 22:22 Moscow time. At 20:23 Moscow time, the Moon will enter the Earth’s penumbra, reaching a maximum of 0.964 of its diameter. The eclipse can be observed from Africa, Oceania, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Greece. In Russia, it will be visible everywhere except Taimyr and Chukotka. The penumbral view of the eclipse is almost invisible to the naked eye, so this event may only be interesting to experienced astronomers.
May 5 – Full Moon at 20:37
May 5-6 marks the peak of the eta-Aquaridae meteor shower (ZHR= 50) from the Aquarius constellation. However, the observation of meteors will be significantly hindered by the Full Moon phase (on May 5, 2023).
May 7 – Moon (F= 0.97-) passes 1.5° north of Antares (+1.1m) at 17:00
May 9 – Mars (+1.4m) passes 5° south of Pollux (+1.2m) at 08:00
May 9 – Conjunction of Uranus with the Sun at 23:00
May 11 – The Moon reaches the perigee of its orbit at a distance of 369,344 km from Earth at 09:59
May 12 – Moon in the last quarter phase at 17:29
May 13 – Moon (F= 0.45-) passes 3.3° south of Saturn (+1.0m) at 18:00
May 14 – Mercury is in stationary waxing and waning motion, transitioning from sideways to direct motion at 10:00 AM
May 17 – Moon (F= 0.10-) passes 0.8° north of Jupiter (- 2.1m)
May 17 – The Moon will cover Jupiter (- 2.1m) and will be visible in the Russian daytime sky at 16:00
The Moon’s coverage of Jupiter will be visible from parts of North and South America, and Europe. The objects will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or telescopes will make them even more interesting to observe.
May 18 – Moon (F = 0.04-) passes 3.6° north of Mercury.
May 19 – New Moon at 18:56
May 22 – Saturn begins to become visible in the morning.
May 23 – Moon (F= 0.10-) passes 2.2° north of Venus (- 4.2m) at 16:00
May 24 – Moon passes 1.6° south of Pollux (+1.2m) at 05:00
May 24 – Moon (F= 0.11+) passes 3.8° north of Mars (+1.5m) at 22:00
May 26 – The Moon reaches the apogee of its orbit at a distance of 404,509 km from Earth at 04:40
May 27 – Moon (F= 0.44+) passes 4° north of Regulus (+1.4m) at 06:00
May 27 – Moon in the first quarter phase at 18:24
May 28 – End of activity of the Aquarids meteor shower
May 29 – Mercury at greatest westerly elongation: 24.9° (morning) at 09:00
Mercury (+0.4m) will be at its maximum distance west of the Sun, with the celestial bodies being 24.9° apart. This event is known as the greatest elongation (distance). It is the best time to observe Mercury, so don’t miss this opportunity!
May 30 – Venus passes 3.9° south of Pollux (+1.2m) at 02:00
May 30 – Mars at aphelion: 1.66594 a.u.
May 31 – Moon (F= 0.80+) passes 3.3° north of Spica (+1.0m) at 16:00

May the night sky be filled with stars

Perseus is visible in the northern part of the sky, with Ascendant to its left (west). Gemini can be seen setting in the northwest. Looking towards the northeast, you can spot Cepheus and Cassiopeia, with Pegasus near the horizon below them. Turning to the east, you’ll see the constellation of the Swan, with the head of the Dragon positioned above it.

The southern part of the sky contains the Capricorn constellation, which is located next to the Northern Crown and Hercules. Below them, we can see the Serpentine constellation, and near the horizon, we can spot Scorpius. Heading southwest, we can find the constellation Virgo. If we look to the west, we can see the Big Dipper, positioned high up in the sky. Just below it, we can observe the Hound Dogs and the Lion constellations. In the southeastern region, high above the horizon, we can find the Lyra constellation, and just below it lies the Eagle.

The next celestial event for stargazers is the May Aquarids 2023

Get ready to witness a stunning display of shooting stars in the May skies, originating from the constellation Aquarius. The eta-Aquarids meteor shower, also known as the May Aquarids, will be active from April 15 to May 27, 2023. The peak of this meteor shower is expected to occur on the night of May 5-6, 2023, with the International Meteor Organization (www.imo.net) predicting an impressive rate of up to 50 meteors per hour.

Typically, the May Aquarids exhibit a broad maximum flux, occasionally accompanied by submaxima. This peak activity is observed in early May, specifically from May 3 to May 10, when stargazers can anticipate observing 30 or more meteors per hour. These findings are based on observations from 1984 to 2001, analyzed by Tim Cooper and confirmed by more recent visual and radio observations.

The May Aquarids is an exquisite and prosperous meteor shower. Its origin is the trail of dust left by the renowned Halley’s Comet. Each year during April-May and October (Orionids), the Earth intersects with it. Halley’s Comet was observed in 1986, and it will grace the Earth’s sky once again in 75 years – in 2061.

Meteors from the May Aquariids shower are swift and luminous, leaving behind long trails similar to the October Orionids.

The optimal time to observe meteors is during the early morning hours in early May (from 2:00 to 4:00 Moscow time) and away from the bright lights of the city. One challenge when observing the Aquariid meteor shower is that its radiant point rises in the morning and is best visible from the southern hemisphere. For those at mid-latitudes, the radiant of the May Aquariids can be spotted low above the southeastern horizon just a few hours before sunrise. The shower reaches its peak around 8 a.m. local time. These meteors are fast and appear as bright white streaks. They travel at a speed of approximately 66 km/sec.

Unfortunately, the conditions for observing the May Aquarids in 2023 are unfavorable due to the occurrence of a full moon on May 5, 2023. The brightness of the full moon will significantly hinder meteor observation.

Recommended observation times: In the early morning hours from 2:00 until dawn.

Ways to observe: Meteors can be seen without the need for any special equipment.

The radiant of the May Aquariids can be seen in the constellation Aquarius and is visible in the southeastern sky just above the horizon in the morning.

Sun

The Sun passes through the constellation of Aries until May 14th, and then moves into Taurus where it remains for the rest of the month. The length of the day increases quickly from 15 hours and 18 minutes at the beginning of May to 17 hours and 5 minutes by the end of the month. Starting from May 22nd, evening astronomical twilight merges with morning twilight (until July 22nd). These measurements are accurate for the latitude of Moscow, where the Sun’s altitude at noon will increase from 49 to 56 degrees throughout May.

It is possible to observe sunspots and other formations on the surface of the Sun using practically any telescope, binoculars, or even with the naked eye (if the spots are large enough).

However, it is important to remember that when visually studying the Sun through a telescope or other optical devices, a solar filter must be used. (Guidelines for observing the Sun can be found in the Nebosvod journal astronet.ru).

Moon

🌕︎ On May 5th (at 20:37 Moscow time), there will be a Full Moon.
On May 11th, the Moon will be at the perigee of its orbit, located at a distance of 369,344 km from Earth at 09:59 pm.
🌗︎ On May 12th (at 17:29 Moscow time), the last quarter of the Moon will occur.
🌑︎ On May 19th (at 18:56 Moscow time), there will be a new moon.
On May 26th, the Moon will be at the apogee of its orbit, located at a distance of 404,509 km from Earth at 04:40 pm.
🌓︎ On May 27th (at 18:24 Moscow time), the first quarter of the Moon will occur.

Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00,
Closed on Tuesdays.
The “Retro Café” is open from 10:00 to 20:00 on the days when the Planetarium is open.

+7 (495) 221-76-90
Planetarium JSC © 2017. Moscow, Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya str. 5, bldg. 1

… August! – the month of shooting stars!
Marina Tsvetaeva

During the nights in August, people from all over the Northern Hemisphere can witness the most popular and dazzling meteor showers of the year – in the middle of August, the Perseids meteor shower reaches its peak!

The peak of the famous summer meteor shower Perseids will occur on the night of August 11 to 12. This means that if the weather conditions are favorable and there is no light pollution, you can observe up to 100 meteors per hour, which is equivalent to 1-2 meteors per minute!

Perseids. Photo: Stas Korotkiy, Olga Lakeyeva, Arkhyz 2018.

The circumstances are looking favorable for observing the Perseids in 2023. During the peak night, the presence of the Moon should not hinder the viewing of meteors, as it will be close to the new moon phase (16.08.2023). The International Meteor Organization predicts a potential rate of up to 100 meteors per hour. Optimal meteor observation conditions include clear weather and minimal light pollution from urban areas.

What is the origin of the name Perseids? What is meant by the term radiant?

The name Perseids is derived from the constellation Perseus, from which, upon closer observation, these “shooting stars” emanate.

The point in the sky from which the meteors appear to radiate is referred to as the radiant of the meteor shower.

The radiant of the Perseids meteor shower can be found in the constellation Perseus, which is visible throughout the night in August. In Moscow, the constellation Perseus can be seen in the northeastern part of the sky around midnight. It starts its journey from the northeastern horizon in the evening and reaches a high position by morning, almost reaching the zenith. This allows for shooting stars to be visible across the entire sky.

When.

The Perseids meteor shower is active from July 14 through September 1, with its peak of activity occurring between August 11 and August 12 in 2023.

Where to look?

You should look towards the northeast, specifically in the area of the radiant.
The Perseid radiant is situated at the boundary where the constellations Perseus, Giraffe, and Cassiopeia meet. Locate Cassiopeia (inverted M), and just to the left and below the horizon, you will find the bright star Capella. Between Cassiopeia and Capella is the radiant of the Perseids. In August, around midnight, it will be positioned towards the northeast. That’s the direction you should focus on. Meteors will emerge from the radiant and can be observed throughout the entire sky.

Perseids. Photo: Julia Zhulikova, Yuri Zvezdny, 2018.

Best time to observe.

Immediately following sunset and continuing until sunrise! Viewing the Perseid meteor shower from the Perseus constellation can be enjoyed not only on the night of the highest activity. The Perseid meteors will captivate spectators throughout the month of August, particularly during the week preceding and following their peak on August 12th.

What can we expect to see?

The Perseids are a dazzling display of white meteors that streak across the sky. Some of these meteors are so bright that their glow can last for a few seconds, earning them the name bolides. This August night is the perfect time to witness numerous “shooting stars.”

A stunning Perseid fireball. Photo credit goes to Alexander Merkushev, Arkhyz 2016.

What is the projected number of meteors we will witness?

Around 100-110 meteors per hour or 1-2 meteors per minute!
Based on the forecast by the International Meteor Organization, we can anticipate up to 100 meteors per hour.

A stunning Perseid meteor captured in a photograph taken by Miguel Claro on August 12, 2021.

Where to Watch Meteor Showers.

Outside of urban areas. The optimal location for observing meteor showers is undoubtedly in the mountains or in a remote location far from major cities. It is advised to venture at least 30 km away from densely populated regions and over 100 km away from large cities like Moscow. In urban areas, the intense light pollution will hinder visibility, limiting the number of visible meteors to less than half. By heading out into the darkness away from city lights, you increase your chances of witnessing numerous fainter meteors.

Great spirits and sunny skies. You don’t require any astronomical devices to witness a meteor shower, the act of gazing at the stars can be done with the unaided eye.
If the weather is free from clouds, anyone can delight in the nighttime celestial display of the summer season. Shooting stars will be able to be seen above the northeastern part of the sky. The circumstances for observing the Perseids in 2023 are advantageous, as the peak coincides with the new moon (16.08.2023).

What is the origin of the Perseids?

Comet. The Perseids originate from the Earth crossing paths with a cloud of tiny particles released by comet 109/Swift-Tuttle, which comes close to the Earth’s orbit during its closest approach to the Sun.

Comet 109/Swift – Tuttle. Picture: Michael Jaeger, 15.12.1992.

The comet follows an orbit around the Sun that takes approximately 134 years to complete. The most recent time it came close to us was in December 1992, and the next perihelion will occur on July 12, 2126. During this time, the comet will pass near the Earth at a distance of 0.15 astronomical units. Additionally, every year in August, the Earth passes through a cloud of cosmic dust and ice that was left behind by the comet. These tiny particles, which are about the size of a grain of sand, burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere and create bright streaks known as “shooting stars”. Initially, the shower is most intense, but it gradually weakens over time.

Observers of the Perseids

Amateur astronomers from all over the world observe the Perseids. The International Meteor Organization coordinates their efforts. The data they collect will help to uncover the history of comet 109/Swift-Tuttle and determine the structure and density of the meteor stream.

Meteor streams occur annually due to the constant intersection of the Earth’s orbit with the flux. However, the Earth does not immediately cross this region, but takes several days or even weeks to do so because the swarm of cometary particles is quite large. When the Earth passes through denser areas of particles, the number of “shooting stars” dramatically increases.

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