Perseid Meteor Shower

I'm writing now at 10:00 pm on Monday, Aug 11th.

The early morning hours of August 12th is supposed to be the peak viewing for the Perseid meteor shower this year.

It's been underway since July 17 and will end about August 24.

I checked on the evening of the 11th and there was nothing to be seen except clouds and we still have at least a 20% chance of rain overnight. We had 3.5" of rain here last night and more over at my old house. I'm going to get up really early in the morning and check it out again.

The name comes from the appearance that the source of the meteors is the constellation, Perseus. Perseus is the Greek hero that slew Medusa.

I've been watching the Perseids since about 1974 as far as I can recall at least. I probably saw them before then but didn't know they were the Perseids. Does that count? I'm in good company though because they've been observed for at least 2,000 years but by other names.

Supposed to be able to see about 60 per hour during the peak but I've never seen that many.

I remember 1974 because it was the 2nd year after we'd moved to Oklahoma City. I had purchased 2 chaise lounge lawn chairs so we could watch for meteors while reclining. Thoughtful huh? My son was about 3 years and 10 months and his sister was only about 16 months.

I am pretty certain I had awakened everyone about 4:00 am and we all were out in the back yard on those lawn chairs. As I recall we saw some meteors but we weren't out there too long.

I'll post again after I get up really early in the morning.

12:45 am - Aug 12th - nothing but clouds - the cat thought I was crazy for opening the garage door and she also thought I should feed her.

2:45 am - Aug 12th - I was smarter this time and looked out the window and saw nothing but clouds.

5:30 am - Aug 12th - Clouds- will try again in 24 hours and then I will post.

3;30 pm - Aug 12th - checked forecast - mostly clear tonight - will give it a try.

11:00 pm - Aug 12th - not mostly clear here - found 3 stars barely

2:00 am - Aug 13th - nary a meteor to be seen because of clouds

Always next year.