Star Gazers – Get Ready!

Hopefully the Treasure Valley skies will be crystal clear Thursday night, because we are supposed to be in for a real treat from the heavens (our outer space) or...from infinity and beyond! Astronomers say the annual Perseid Meteor Shower promises to be especially good this year. It takes place every August, when the earth travels though a debris field left behind by an ancient comet, according to the whiz-kids at NASA.

Here's what they say about the upcoming light show from the sky...

“Forecasters are predicting a Perseid outburst this year with double normal rates on the night of Aug. 11-12,” said Bill Cooke with NASA’s Meteoroid Environments Office in Huntsville, Alabama. “Under perfect conditions, rates could soar to 200 meteors per hour.”

Check out this video from NASA - and enjoy the show tomorrow (Thursday) night!

NASA says "the best way to see the Perseids is to go outside between midnight and dawn on the morning of Aug. 12. Allow about 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Lie on your back and look straight up. Increased activity may also be seen on Aug. 12-13.

For stargazers experiencing cloudy or light-polluted skies, a live broadcast of the Perseid meteor shower will be available via Ustream overnight on Aug. 11-12 and Aug. 12-13, beginning at 10 p.m. EDT."

Source: NASA