Today is August 10, 2024The long awaited San Lorenzo NightFor years, adults and children have been waiting for this moment to gather together to look up at the sky, competing to see who will be the first to see the meteor and give it a small gift. Wish.
Although our current meteorological knowledge tells us that this is not necessarily the best night. Seeing the starsAnd there is no particular meaning in its cyclical nature, it is nice to keep the magic of summer evenings and direct your eyes to the sky.
The history of the August meteor shower has such deep roots that over the centuries it has gathered a wide variety of traditions, legends and symbols. From religion to philosophy, through art, poetry and astronomy, there are few branches that have remained unaffected by the passage of these meteors.
While for Catholic Church August 10 is dedicated to San Lorenzo, a fact known even outside the religious environment, and it is good to remember that there is a legend according to which we witness the night martyrdom This saint may have been killed by the burning embers that represent the stars. From a scientific point of view, the swarm is caused by particles and dust left over from the Earth. Cometa 109P/Swift-Tottlethe earth passes through it at this time of year.
Aside from the many facts about the Perseids, between myth and science, the moment they pass makes everyone focus their eyes on the night sky. So this is the case When and where to see shooting stars today.
What time is the best time to see shooting stars today?
In general, the meteor shower that marks this time of year runs from August 10 to 14, with a variable peak date. August 10 has entered into tradition due to a combination of factors, including undoubtedly the dedication to San Lorenzo and of course the famous poem by Giovanni Pascoli. August 10From now on, any time is the right time to see. Tear of San Lorenzowith the chances clearly increasing during the night hours.
On this particular night, it is advisable to keep your eyes on the sky. From 10 pmThe actual peak will occur at night. Between 12 and 13 AugustBut the night of San Lorenzo, enchanting with all the memories and stories it evokes, could hold some surprises this year. On this night, in fact, the milky halo of the moon will not obstruct your vision and will allow you to clearly see the passage of light paths.
The moon will set soon After midnightSo in the early hours of August 11 there will be some advantages in observing. This does not mean that the passage of the Perseids covers a much longer period, as the Italian Amateur Astronomers’ Union reports, the swarm is active. From July 15 to August 24Although the right moments will be very limited as always.
Until 04:00 AM It will be possible to see the stars and, why not, make a wish according to tradition, for this night and those that will come until the day before Ferragosto.
Where to look to see the Perseids
San Lorenzo Night 2024 is no exception: to see the meteors you have to choose open spaces And drowned in it naturemaybe on Heights Away from city pollution. Not only do smoke and smog prevent clear sky observation, but in this case it is also a good idea to stay away from the many light sources that may obstruct the view of meteors.
To see meteors you must look towards Perseus constellation. This is located in the northeast, under the constellation Cassiopeia and is recognizable thanks to its vertically inverted “W” or “M” shape. Directly below, towards the horizon, is the constellation Perseus. An alternative, especially practical for those lying on the grass or in the garden, is to remain centered in the center of the sky, that is, Zenit.
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