Meteor shower fans, There are suggestions from various news sources and
astronomy sources that the 2016 Perseids may have a burst of meteors sometime
between 1 am and 4 am Friday morning.
While the normal max is about 100 meteors per hour, this year may be 150 to
200 meteors per hour. The moon sets just after midnight. Mike has been having
serious spinal problems for the last several weeks, is undergoing diagnostic
tests and treatments and may need surgery. He therefore will not be able to
open his house for people this year for the Perseids. However, he has said
that if PAS members want to use his yard to the east of his house to view the
Perseids, they are welcome to do so. Just don't knock on his door so he can
rest and not be disturbed.
If you go to Mike's place, a bortle 4.3, bring a lounge chair and your own
drink. Remember, no bathroom privileges. Also, the weather reports are mixed.
Some say 10% clouds some say 30% clouds with a slight chance of rain. Since
some of the members have to work or go to school I can understand if most
people don't show up. However, I will be there from 1am to 4 am and if anyone
wants to do a Meteor study for the International Meteor Organization as a
citizen science project, I can direct you to the forms to fill out and can help
you fill them out if you wish. We did the study last year for the Perseids and
the Geminids and the results were published on the internet. If you plan on
going to Mike's Friday morning anytime from 1 to 4 am, let me know by replying
to this email. If you want the IMO forms let me know that also.
If you do not want to drive to a dark spot early Friday morning, you may want
to set the alarm and go outside your house at about 2 am for a little while to
see what is going on.
Have fun, Sam Insana President of PAS
