The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower August 2011

The annual Perseid Meteor Showers are happening right now.  From close to the end of July until mid August (the peak is mid-August, anyway) late night or early morning sky watchers can view the meteor showers hosted for free by the sky.  Get your binoculars, telescopes and blankets ready! 
The best times and dates to view the Perseid Showers are between moonset and the first light of dawn on August 10th and 11th.  On August 13, 2011, during the peak times the sky will be brightened by the full moon.  This may make the meteor showers difficult to see during more reasonable hours. 
Get your kids excited by science by educating them on the showers before watching.  You can find lots of great information at Space.com. Or view the 2011 Perseid Meteor Shower view table to prepare for your adventure. 


When we watched the Perseid Showers we decided to go to a family member's house since we have loud and crazy kids.  They definitely aren't the quiet type!  We brought blankets, got out chairs, binoculars.  The little one fell asleep in my arms- a pillow would have been a good idea.  Snacks will keep the kids occupied during slow times.  Printing up a star-gazing chart would be helpful as well.  Then you can play eye-spy games with older kids or race to see who finds certain ones first.    
 
Have you watched meteor showers with your kids in the past?  What are your tips for making the most out of educational activities like this? 

Perseid Meteor Shower

The annual Perseid Meteor Shower is making an appearance tonight into early tomorrow morning.  Get your binoculars, telescopes and blankets ready for this amazing and totally free event hosted by the sky!  You could see a meteor every minute but during more active times it's more like 3 per minute. 
This year is the perfect one to watch this event- reports are that there is plenty to see.  The moon won't be bright enough to distract the view.  We only have to keep our fingers crossed that it's not too cloudy! 

In addition to the meteor shower, this year three planets have aligned and will be viewable in a clear sky.  Venus, Mars and Saturn will be near the moon on the western horizon.  You can look for them with this map as soon as it's dark.  You can also start searching the horizon for meteors then but it's rare.    
If you go out during the predawn hours you will be able to see Jupiter- it's the brightest thing in the sky! 
3a.m. is the recommended time for seeing the most meteors. 

Before waking up and dragging your kids out into the late night (or super early morning) get them excited by sharing some educational fun facts about meteor showers, stars and planets. You can find lots of great information at Space.com