Perseids to be most spectacular meteor shower this year, but Hong Kong Observatory predicts bad weather
Rain and heavy clouds may obstruct view on Friday and early on Saturday, predicted to be period of highest frequency of shooting stars in city
Stargazers will have a chance to feast their eyes on the most spectacular meteor shower this year – the Perseids – on Friday night, if the weather permits.
The peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower – one of the most impressive in the Northern Hemisphere – is expected to occur most intensively in Hong Kong from 9pm to 11.30pm on Friday with 150 meteors crossing the sky every hour.
Hong Kong Space Museum’s assistant curator Prince Chan Chun-lam said this year’s Perseid meteor shower is in a “good” observing condition – the second top level in the five-tier rating system.
“This year’s Perseid meteor shower has more meteors than last year because Jupiter is drawing more space debris ... nearer to earth,” Chan said.
“Usually the Geminid meteor shower that occurs in December is another much anticipated one that will bring as many meteors as the Perseid, but we are predicting strong moonlight during the peak of Geminid this year, so the Perseids are expected to be the most spectacular one this year,” he said.
Chan advised stargazers to view the meteors after 1am on Saturday for maximum visibility as the moon would have set to leave a dark sky for the shooting stars. But the Hong Kong Observatory has forecast unfavourable weather during the period with shattering rain and heavy clouds.
Chan said it would be difficult to see the meteors if such conditions occur. Even though the meteor shower willlast until August 24, the frequency of stars shooting across the sky would gradually fall to only 10 meteors per hour and they would be much more difficult to observe, he added.
Meteors can be seen with the naked eye, or with the help of a red light torch. The best viewing points include the Astropark in High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, Shek O, Clear Water Bay Country Park, Tai Mei Tuk in Tai Po and Shui Hau in Lantau Island.
The Perseid meteor shower, dubbed “the tears of St Lawrence” in honour of a martyred Christian saint, was recorded first in China as far back as 2,000 years ago.
