There's a meteor shower happening in August, and we know the best place to see it
Ireland's most spectacular meteor shower – the Perseids Meteor Showers – takes place in August each year, as the Earth bisects the tail of comets which are also orbiting the sun.
And we know the best place to see it.
At the world’s oldest original working lighthouse, the dark skies at the tip of the Hook Peninsula underneath the reassuring beam of the Lighthouse tower, there are spectacular views of the constellations and the night skies.
On Saturday, August 11th, the Lighthouse Visitor Centre will remain open extra late to offer a star gazing evening event to visitors. Joining the team at Hook Lighthouse to guide the event is special guest astronomer from Big Bear Planetariums, Carl O’Beirnes.
Carl will be on hand to open the evening advising visitors on what to look out for and how to identify the constellations in the night sky. He will also offer visitors the opportunity to view the planets and deep sky objects visible during the meteor shower via telescopes, and share details on how to photograph the night sky and the Milky Way.
Carl advises that visitors bring their telescopes and cameras if they wish, however, no equipment at all is required for those who wish to relax and enjoy the best movie that nature can offer.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly and bring deck chairs and blankets as the temperature will drop as the night progresses. This is a free event and those attending are invited to find a spot on the lighthouse lawns from 7 pm to gaze skyward for shooting stars under the intermittent ray of light from the ancient tower.
The Perseids are created when the Earth crosses the tail of Swift-Tuttle, a comet which takes 133 years to orbit the sun. Meteors are created when tiny flecks of dust and debris from the comet penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 60 kilometres per second creating a shockwave.
They burn up quickly in the atmosphere leaving the impression of a huge fireball.
To ensure you get as good a view as possible, take note of these top tips from Nasa: “Dress warmly, let your eyes relax and don't focus on any one specific part of the sky. Relaxed eyes will quickly zone in on any movement up above and you'll be able to spot more meteors.”
The lighthouse will remain open until 11 pm offering hot chocolates and snacks at the café. For further details see www.hookheritage.ie