Star Light, Star Bright August 12, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Magick & Mystery, Nature.trackback
Tonight, star gazers will be in for a special treat . . . the best meteor shower of 2010:
“You know it’s a good night when a beautiful alignment of planets is the second best thing that’s going to happen.
Thursday, August 12th, is such a night.
The show begins at sundown when Venus, Saturn, Mars and the crescent Moon pop out of the western twilight in tight conjunction. All four heavenly objects will fit within a circle about 10 degrees in diameter, beaming together through the dusky colors of sunset. No telescope is required to enjoy this naked-eye event.
The planets will hang together in the western sky until 10 pm or so. When they leave, following the sun below the horizon, you should stay, because that is when the Perseid meteor shower begins. From 10 pm until dawn, meteors will flit across the starry sky in a display that’s even more exciting than a planetary get-together.”
Author: Dr. Tony Phillips
For More Details: Planets Align For The Perseid Meteor Shower
If you missed the real deal:
Spirit Lights The Way 
I follow the stars, more for the astronomy than the astrology. I saw a terrific alignment back in maybe 89. when Venus, Jupiter and Mars were in such a close alignment. It was spectacular. Will never forget it. Thanks for reminding me about the show to see for tonight!
You’re welcome. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that clouds don’t obscure the view.
Actually, the sky has been going through an interesting T-square – long term alignment. With the moon to orient us, if we look opposite in the sky we will be able to see Jupiter and Uranus in conjunction. And at the mid-point between them- Pluto. I know Jupiter is visible to the human eye, but not certain about the rest. Anyway, the astrologers are having quite a time with the current line up. (Just for your information).
Enjoy the show!
That sounds quite significant, thx Nancy…I wonder if it’ll be visible here in the Southern Hemisphere? Will have a look anyway, although it’s well after sunset now. My father could navigate by the stars, so showed us a few things a long time ago 🙂
Hmm . . . I’m not sure about the views of Perseid south of the equator.
It’s worth a peek.
Actually, if you can see the crescent moon, then you should look for the rest of the show.
Okay, had a quick look, but not too sure what I’m seeing! It’s a crystal clear night and the crescent moon looks stunning, that much I can say. The shadow of the rest of it is very distinct. Was lovely stepping outside, quite crisp, much cosier in here, so thx for getting me out!
We’re keeping our fingers crossed. I’m less interested in the planetary alignment.
What I like . . . watching the shooting “stars.”
Out here on the West Coast of Canada, we have a ‘double dip’. Not only do we have the shooting stars, the ocean is full of phosphorescence. We are wrapped in a light show. Even the seals leave a steak of light as they swim by to check out our enthusiastic squeals.
I love this time of year.
Awesome ~
Mother Nature . . . always something mystical and magical to behold.
PHOOEY! ITS ALL CLOUDY HERE IN MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ
We haven’t seen any shooting stars yet, but I’m going back out to check again.
I love shooting stars. When I was a kid, my mother always alerted us to a meteors and told us that if we made a wish, it would come true. Little fantasies are wonderful in childhood.
We ended up seeing a few, but not many. The ambient light here competed with the night sky.
Still, it was a great excuse to head outside and gaze at the heavens.