Summer Sky Finale Is Here
Summer is packing up, but the sky over New York City is putting on a massive show before it goes. We are talking about the best meteor shower of the year hitting right when the nights are darkest. This isn’t just some faint glow; it’s a real bang to end the season for anyone who looks up.
According to Gothamist, the Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12 and 13. If you get out of the city lights, you could see up to 100 shooting stars an hour. Even right here in the concrete jungle, folks at places like Floyd Bennett Field should still catch about half that rate.
What The Experts Say
Bart Fried, a member of the American Astronomical Society, knows what he is talking about when he says the show is reliable. “The Perseids never fail to please,” he told reporters. He added that “You’re pretty much guaranteed to see some bright meteors and a good deal of them this year” That is a promise worth keeping an eye on.
Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History, puts it plainly. She noted that “August is the winning month of the summer for observing” While June and July build up the hype, she insists that “August really is your month” to get outside and watch the stars.
Eclipse And Concerts Too
But the meteors aren’t the only trick up the sky’s sleeve. A partial solar eclipse will happen on August 12 just before 2 p.m. New York City will see about 10% of the sun covered. Fried explained that “From New York City, we get a pretty good partial solar eclipse” The moon will block a very good chunk of the sun. He warned that “Obviously, it’s nothing like a total eclipse, but you really get the feeling that the moon is passing, partially in front of the sun.” You will need your viewing glasses for this one.
For those who want music with their views, the city is also packing the schedule. Tompkins Square Park hosts Ted Leo & the Pharmacists on August 1 for a fundraiser. Union Pool in Williamsburg brings Toody Cole and Her Band to their backyard on August 2. If you want to be on the water, the Rocks Off Concert Cruise takes off on August 5 with Deerhoof and Water From Your Eyes.
Mark Your Calendar Now
Don’t sleep on August 12. That is the day the Perseid peak and the partial solar eclipse collide. Get your eclipse glasses ready and find a spot with a clear view. Then, keep your eyes peeled for a lunar eclipse on August 27 to wrap up the month. This is your last big chance to see the sky work its magic before fall sets in.
This is opinion and commentary from the RapForMayor team.
