Meet Star Gazers

Perseid Meteor Shower

Episode Summary

Robin Scagell is an outstanding astronomer and has had a life long passion for astronomy that started in 1963. In this episode, he shares with us precious tips and recommendations on observing the Perseid meteor shower.

Episode Notes

Robin Scagell is Vice President of the Society of Popular Astronomy. He is the author of several astronomy books, including Complete Guide to Stargazing, 101 Objects to Spot in the Night Sky and Stargazing with a Telescope. In this episode, he shares with us invaluable information on observing the Perseid meteor shower.

Time stamps :

• 03:37 : What do the Perseids look like ?
• 04:55 : What causes the Perseid meteor shower ? Where do the Perseids come from ?
• 07:20 : Where to look in the sky to see the Perseid meteor shower ?
• 09:25 : What is the best time to see the Perseid meteor shower ? When do the Perseids peak ?
• 14:08 : Where can I see the Perseid meteor shower ? Are the Perseids visible in the southern hemisphere ?
• 18:05 : How to watch the Perseid meteor shower ?
• 27:30 : What is a meteor and a meteor shower ?
• 34:18 : What is a persistent train in the context of a meteor ?
• 36:19 : What is the difference between a meteoroid, a meteor and a meteorite ?
• 37:52 : What is a fireball ?
• 44:24 : What is the radiant of a meteor shower ?
• 46:04 : What is the ZHR of a meteor shower ?

Useful links and resources :

• Robin Scagell
• Society for Popular Astronomy
• Society for Popular Astronomy on Facebook
• Society for Popular Astronomy on Twitter
• International Meteor Organization
• American Meteor Society