Filenews 4 August 2022
On August 12, the phenomenon of rain of shooting stars will peak, which visually seem to come from the constellation Perseus and therefore bear the name Perseids.
According to astrophysicist Chrysanthos Fakas, this phenomenon began on July 17, 2022 and will last until August 24, 2022, with the best watching day on Friday, August 12, 2022, where the highest density will be observed.
The radiant point is located in the evening sky in a northeasterly direction. Those interested should look in this direction and preferably after 11 o'clock in the evening, where the radiant point rises higher and higher.
"This beautiful phenomenon happens because the Earth these days crosses the orbit of comet Swift-Tuttle, which is full of the remnants it leaves in its orbit while orbiting the Sun. These remains are abandoned by the comet every time it is in its perihelion," says Mr. Fakas.
This year, along with the rain of shooting stars, there will also be a full moon.
On this occasion, the Faka Institute Observatory in collaboration with the Astronomical Society of Cyprus (ASTROK), organizes an astronomical evening in the courtyard of the Holy Church of Agios Arsenios in Kyperounta on Friday, August 12, 2022 during the hours of 9:00p.m. – 11:00 and all interested parties are invited to attend.
As stated in the announcement, those who have telescopes can bring them with them to help the public in stargazing.
Also due to the fact that on the same night there will be a full moon, those who have musical instruments are urged to bring them with them so that along with the August full moon there will be music, the announcement concludes.
