by Kate McElhinney
If you logged on to Google yesterday, you may have noticed the spiffy artwork surrounding the logo. Always curious, I clicked on the letters and learned that there would be meteor showers this week.
So, last night I hunkered down in my backyard and stared up at the sky. Believe it or not, I've never actually seen a shooting star. During all my camping trips I've scoured the sky in search of a rouge streak of light, but have had no luck. Therefore I was more determined than ever to see the "Perseids", as National Geographic called them.
Unfortunately, despite Google's promise, last night wasn't any different. Maybe I didn't see a meteor shower because of the street lights surrounding my house? Or maybe my vision is becoming impaired from staring at a computer screen all day? In any event, it was a nice excuse to disconnect from daily life and sit back and feel insignificant for awhile. It's comforting to know that there is still a bit of spectacular natural wonder out there.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Showers from Space
by Kate McElhinney
If you logged on to Google yesterday, you may have noticed the spiffy artwork surrounding the logo. Always curious, I clicked on the letters and learned that there would be meteor showers this week.
So, last night I hunkered down in my backyard and stared up at the sky. Believe it or not, I've never actually seen a shooting star. During all my camping trips I've scoured the sky in search of a rouge streak of light, but have had no luck. Therefore I was more determined than ever to see the "Perseids", as National Geographic called them.
Unfortunately, despite Google's promise, last night wasn't any different. Maybe I didn't see a meteor shower because of the street lights surrounding my house? Or maybe my vision is becoming impaired from staring at a computer screen all day? In any event, it was a nice excuse to disconnect from daily life and sit back and feel insignificant for awhile. It's comforting to know that there is still a bit of spectacular natural wonder out there.
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Ah I did the same thing! only I went to the beach and didnt take a chair, so the amount of time that I spent arcing my neck was minimal! It may have been too early, supposedly the best show was supposed to be from 11 pm onward. But the city lights definitely do not help. I was out with some friends around 11:15 on the beach and saw 3, but only one that was really cool. That picture is awesome by the way! thanks google.
ReplyDeleteyeah I went out at 10:00 p.m. which is way past my bedtime. The early time, combined with sleepy eyes, probably explains why I didn't see much. Thanks for the comment, Corbo!
ReplyDeleteSupposedly, there is another one (Leonids Meteor Shower) in November. Maybe it'll be on a weekend so us Mon-Fri workers can take a drive out to the desert for a better observation!
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