No need to be an astronomer to live a magical moment. Here’s how to take full advantage of the Perseids.
Each summer is the same scene: the networks light up with photos of the sky, people come out of sheets on the grass and everyone lifts their noses. Because the Persures of our eyesthis rain of the most famous shooting stars of the year come back again. In reality, they are visible during all the month of Augustbut their peak of intensity occurs on the night of August 12 to 13. At that time, we can hope to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour.
And yet, every year, many miss the show. Either because they do not know where to look at, or because they think you need a telescope, or because they believe that in town, it is not worth it. Good news: just follow a few very simple steps to live one of the most beautiful nights of summer.
Settle well: flee the light and open the horizon
First of all, you should know that the shooting stars do not require No equipment. In fact, a telescope would even be counterproductive: it zooms out too much and reduces your field of vision. Conversely, what you need is See the greatest possible skywithout obstacle. A hill, a beach, an isolated field: any place far from artificial lights does the trick.
Then think of the light pollution. She is the number one enemy of your eyes. To find out where to go, I recommend the Light Pollution Map. It is a very practical site that helps you locate dark areas around you.
On site, sit comfortably. Plaid, deckchair, sleeping bageach his technique, the main thing is to be able to remain motionless without being cold. And above all, avoid lighting white lamps. Favor a red lightmuch softer for your pupils and compatible with an optimal night vision.
When and where to look to miss anything
Once there, when the time comes, you will no doubt wonder where to direct your gaze. Again, don’t panic. THE shooting stars seem to come from the constellation of Perseuslocated just below Cassiopéerecognizable by his characteristic “W”. However, the meteors cross the whole of the sky. The simplest is therefore look straight aheadwell open eyes, without focusing on a specific point.
To maximize your chances, arrive after midnight. Before, the sky remains too bright, even in summer. From this hour, the conditions are ideal. And if you are lucky, every minute can offer Several shooting stars.
And with children? A perfect evening to initiate astronomy
Observing the Perseids with children can quickly become one of their best summer memories. It just requires a little ofanticipation. Remember to prepare en-Casof the cushionsand even a few celestial stories. For example, tell them why sometimes we call these stars tears of Saint Laurent. This nickname comes from the fact that the rain coincides with the festival of the saint on August 10.
In addition, to extend the pleasure, you can install an application of Constellation identificationas Stellarium or Sky Map. They are intuitive, often free, and some even offer a mode vision nocturne.
Look up to better dream
What touches me in the Perseids is their accessibility. No need to be an expert. No need for money. Just look up at the right time. And agree to do nothing, just observe. In a world where everything is going fast, it’s already a little luxury.
So take a blanket, get away from neon lights, and give yourself this moment. This moment rarebetween silence, darkness and fleeting light. He is there, every summer, and he only asks to be watched.
