🌟 Heads up, stargazers! This weekend, the night sky has a spectacular double act in store for you. Not only will we have August’s enchanting Sturgeon Moon lighting up the sky, but it’s also the perfect time to catch the infamous Perseids meteor shower. Talk about a cosmic treat!
🌕 The Sturgeon Moon, the eighth full moon of the year, will rise between 8pm and 9pm on Saturday and promises to shine brightly both Saturday and Sunday night. It’s named after the sturgeon fish that were once abundant in North America during this time of year.
💫 Now, let’s talk about the Perseids! Known as one of the best meteor showers, the Perseids are famous for their fast and bright meteors, with about 50 to 100 blazing trails an hour. These meteors often leave long streams of light and colour that will have you gazing in awe.
🔠Plan your spot! While you can enjoy this spectacle with the naked eye, heading to a place with minimal light pollution, like a park or countryside, can improve your view. Though the full moon might outshine some of the dimmer meteors, the Perseids are typically bright enough to catch your eye regardless.
🌌 For your best chance to see these shooting stars, focus on the north-east area of the sky, from the constellation Perseus. A stargazing app can pinpoint exactly where to look. Start gazing as soon as the sun sets for early shooting stars, but the peak times are between midnight and 5.30am.
🔮 If the skies bless us with clear views as predicted, especially in England and Wales, this stellar phenomenon isn’t one to miss. So, grab a cosy blanket, maybe a hot drink, and enjoy this extraordinary cosmic show. Happy stargazing! 🌠✨