Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
  

Sky gazers are anticipating this year's Perseid meteor shower, which takes place Aug. 12 through Aug. 13. 

The Perseids come from the Comet Swift Tuttle, which leaves remnants when it swings through the inner solar system. When earth passes through that debris, "specks appear in the skies and disintegrate in flashes of light, " says NASA. 

But this year's Perseids, which became active in July, coincides with a full moon. On Aug. 10, the world saw this year's third Supermoon, making the fire streaks harder to see. 

On a normal year, up to 100 streaks per hour is possible during the peak. This year, scientists expecte about 30-40 streaks per hour. NASA has some viewing tips on how to watch the meteor shower Aug. 12. 

Viewing Tips

The Perseids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the pre-dawn hours, though at times it is possible to view meteors from this shower as early as 10:00 p.m.. Find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient -- the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

Meteor Shower Facts

  • Comet of Origin: 109P/Swift-Tuttle
  • Radiant: Constellation Perseus
  • Active: 17 July -- 24 Aug. 2014
  • Peak Activity: 12-13 Aug. 2014
  • Meteor Velocity: 59 km (37 miles) per second

NASA is hosting a live chat starting at 8 p.m. Pacific time.

A video stream of the skies from the Marshall Space Flight Center is also available starting at 6:30 p.m.


Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

-Capital Public  Radio Staff

0812 Perseids -viewing -2014


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

    Related Stories

  • Jimmy Westlake / Flickr

    Perseid Meteor Shower Coincides With Brightest Supermoon Of The Year

    Saturday, August 9, 2014
    This year's Perseid Meteor Shower will take place at the same time as the brightest Supermoon of the year, scientists say.

 NASAperseid meteor shower

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

Interview: Incoming California Senator Alex Padilla On COVID-19 Relief, US Capitol Riot

January 11, 2021

AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File

Newsom’s School Reopening Plan Puts Tight Deadlines On Districts, Legislature

January 11, 2021

WATG

Business Journal: New 14-Story Luxury Hilton Hotel Coming To Downtown Sacramento

January 15, 2021

Most Viewed

California Throws Open COVID Vaccines To Anyone 65 And Older

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: Extra Vaccine Doses Not Coming To California As Promised By Trump Administration

No, Efforts To Recall California Gov. Newsom Are Not ‘A Coup’

'Many Of Us Narrowly Escaped Death': Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recounts Capitol Insurrection

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

California Throws Open COVID Vaccines To Anyone 65 And Older

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: Extra Vaccine Doses Not Coming To California As Promised By Trump Administration

No, Efforts To Recall California Gov. Newsom Are Not ‘A Coup’

'Many Of Us Narrowly Escaped Death': Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recounts Capitol Insurrection

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.