Those of us who have been watching for hatchling turtle nests have been treated to the lead-up to tonight’s event.  The annual Perseid meteor showers have begun their spectacular show, and we estimated 3 or 4 an hour last week.  Dewees is a great place to stargaze, because we have no development for 60 miles to the northeast, and we are far enough that the lights of Mount Pleasant and Charleston don’t affect us too much. In addition, the moon is still a tiny crescent, and it sets just as the meteor showers are heating up, at 10:00 pm.  According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory page,   “The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most consistent performers and considered by many as 2010’s best shower. The meteors they produce are among the brightest of all meteor showers.”

This meteor shower has been observed for about 2000 years.  They are so named because they appear to originate in the constellation of Perseus.  The meteor shower happens when a stream of dust and debris from the Swift-Tuttle Comet intersects with our atmosphere.

You can see maps and listen to a podcast at Astronomy.com, which says that this should be one of the best years for viewing, because:

it peaks under a moonless sky… You’ll see the brightest meteors easily, and from a dark site you’ll also count quite a few faint shooting stars.

We see Perseid meteors because the shower’s parent comet, 109P/Swift-Tuttle, has ejected dust grains along its path during numerous trips through the solar system. Each year around this time, Earth passes through the debris stream, and we experience a meteor shower.

Perseid meteors are fast — their speeds top 125,000 mph (200,000 km/h) — and many leave smoke trails that can last several seconds. Many Perseids are also bright and usually appear white or bluish-white.

August 12 and 13 aren’t the only dates you can observe Perseids. This year, the shower’s activity started around July 17, and it will continue through August 24. Of course, you’ll see fewer meteors the farther you observe from the peak date.

Brucie Harry sent us this link to an article from Edmund Scientific.  And here’s a link to stardate.org with more information.  If you are on the beach, watch your step; there are nests ready for hatching.  Use a red flashlight if you need one; it won’t hurt your night vision and it won’t interfere with wildlife.  We also found one website which said don’t consume any alcohol– it interferes with night vision.

If you manage to get a great photo, please don’t hesitate to send it in for publication!