When to get the best view of the shooting star show of the summer

Make a wish as the Perseids meteor shower is reaching its peak

One of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events occurs every August, the Perseids meteor show, which is better known in Spain as “las lágrimas de San Lorenzo” (the tears of Saint Lawrence).

These “shooting stars” light up the sky at night and, if the weather is right and there is not much light pollution, they can be seen with the naked eye.

This cosmic light show happens when the Earth crosses through an area of space that is full of particles from the comet Swift-Tuttle. When these fragments enter the atmosphere at high speed, they heat up and disintegrate, causing a streak of light which is visible from the ground.

Although they can be observed from the middle of July, they reach their greatest intensity in the first half of August, peaking this year between August 11 and 13.

Indeed, stargazers in Spain who were out on August 8 may have thought they had been treated to one of the most spectacular displays of meteors ever, when a brilliant fireball lit up the sky at 9.55pm, but this turned out to be debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering the atmosphere.

The tradition of wishing on a star is just as popular in Spain, and it has to be made at the exact moment that a shooting star passes. But since these meteors move so quickly, one has to be very attentive and be in a place with good visibility, preferably far away from artificial lights and with a clear sky. As such, the best places are in the countryside or at higher altitude.

Timing is also key to enjoying this show, and National Geographic has revealed the exact date and time when it can be best appreciated: August 12 at about 10pm.

National Geographic says the best moment is just after dark because the moon comes out afterwards, which has just passed its full phase and will be very bright, making it harder to see what is happening beyond it in space.

The number of meteors that will pass the Earth at around this time is very variable, since it depends on a number of factors, but Spain’s own National Geographic Institute (IGN) advises that in a very dark place and with the moon on the horizon, you could see more than 100 in an hour.

Some of the best places to see the Perseids in the Region of Murcia are beaches, the countryside or high up places like Lorca castle.

If you follow these guidelines, you will have plenty of chances to make that wish at just the right moment.

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The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages

Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.

 

Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.

 

At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.

 

The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.

 

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.

 

By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.

 

To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.

 

As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.

 

The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.

 

What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.

 

This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.

But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.

This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.

 

Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.