The Perseid metor shower is one of the better showers of the year. This year’s event was widely anticipated because the Moon did not interfere with the veiwing. Here in Raleigh, we were doubly luck as some cooler drier weather also happened to settle into the area making conditions very good indeed. Many members and public got some gret views due to a public observing session by Morehead Planetarium, a RAC impromptu observing session, and the regulary scheduled RACOBS
Image Courtesy of Steve Christensen
On Wednesday, August 12th, we had a predicted peak of activity late in the evening. Although the large numbers appeared to occur for European viewers, it was still a very good night. Morehead planetarium held a public observing session (with RAC members providing help) that attracted over 3500 people. In addition, a number of astro-imagers, visual observers, and interested guests went out to Big Woods to try and see some good event. Although the projected numebrs did not appear, there were still some very good meteors.
Later that week about 20 people vetured out to the regularly scheduled RACOBS on Friday, August 14. Although occasional passing clouds proved a challenge, some astro-imagers managed to get some good shots and there was some good visual observing.
Image Courtesy of Joe Pedit
