One of summer’s most striking astronomical events peaks tonight, August 12, with the Perseid meteor shower expected to offer a notable display in Cyprus’s night sky.
Viewing conditions are expected to be favourable, with a moonless sky making the meteors easier to see without the Moon’s brightness affecting visibility.
According to astrophysicist Chrysanthos Fakas, the Perseids appear to originate from the constellation Perseus. Those wanting to watch the shower should look towards the north-eastern sky, ideally after 11pm, when the radiant point is higher.
For better viewing, choosing locations away from bright lights and light pollution is recommended.
The Perseids occur when Earth crosses the orbit of comet Swift-Tuttle, and small particles left behind by the comet enter the atmosphere at high speed, burning up and creating the bright streaks known as “shooting stars.”
The constellation Scorpius, with the red star Antares, as well as the planet Venus, will also be visible in the night sky.
Astronomy evening in Kyperounta
To mark the peak of the phenomenon, the Astronomical Society of Cyprus, the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation and the Fakas Tutoring Centres Observatory, in cooperation with Kyperounta Community Council, are organising an astronomy evening in the courtyard of the Church of Agios Arsenios.
The event will run from 9pm to 11pm, with free admission. Those with telescopes can bring them along, and attendees are advised to bring warm clothing because of low temperatures in the area.
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