The prodigious Perseid meteor shower will cover the Bangalore sky this Sunday morning, illuminating it much more than the clearest of starry nights. So make sure you wake up early to witness the history.

The light shower may be very fast and at the edge of the human field of view confusing everyone if they are real or not. But don’t worry you will see three or more meteors coming down the same track in groups, illuminating the sky with a shower of ‘shooting stars’.

This rare sight will take place because of the pieces of a periodic comet Swift Tuttle, known as Perseid causing meteor shower which would be visible from the Earth this week when it will pass near the comet’s orbit.

It happens when tiny debris of comet are left behind and they enter the atmosphere at a speed of 60 kilometers per second (that’s 134,000 mph). These particles get heated up due to friction and oxygen sets then up in flames. The Swift Tuttle (comet) comes close to Earth’s orbit once in every 133 years. Experts say that around 80 such ‘shooting stars’ will fly past the sky.

BS Shylaja, director of JN Planetarium said “The Perseid meteor shower, happening around the world for the past few days, will reach its peak during dawn on Sunday. It will be characterized by numerous streaks of light on the sky. It can be enjoyed best with the naked eye”.

E Ebenezer, scientist,Radio Astronomy Group at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics said “The event is not much of astronomical significance. It’s more like a feel-good hobby. You can reflect radio waves which will give you a deep sound if converted”.

CLOUDS MAY PLAY SPOILSPORT

The weather department has predicted the sky to remain overcast on Sunday. Astronomers and enthusiasts are planning to go to outskirts to observer the historical phenomenon.

The weatherman has predicted an overcast sky on Sunday. Astronomers and enthusiasts can go to the outskirts to observe the phenomenon.

Ebenezer added “Nandi Hills may be a good idea as the cloud cover may not be there”.

Shylaja said “Many amateur astronomers are heading towards villages on Tumkur Road and Bannerghatta Road, 60km from the city, to get a clear view of the shower”.

Source: The Times Of India

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