Phenomenon promises up to a hundred shooting stars per hour – 08/11/2023 – Science

“The shooting star show is a meditation on patience,” he declared in an interview with RFI the president of the French Astronomical Association (AFA), co-founder and organizer of Nuits des étoiles in France, Oliver Las Vergnas.

The specialist said that it is possible to see the spectacle with the naked eye, just “we will raise our eyes to the sky and observe the shooting stars, constellations, and fantastic movements of the Milky Way…”. He explains that with the cloudless sky, no special instrument will be needed to observe the phenomenon.

“We’re going to need an important instrument like a lounger, a blanket or a comfortable armchair”, he joked, “in good visual conditions, we can see between 50 and 100 shooting stars per hour”, detailed Las Vergnas.

Summer nights are generally favorable for observing celestial phenomena. On the 11th, 12th and 13th of August 2023, more specifically, in the four corners of France, on the occasion of the Nights of the Stars, an event developed by the AFA, as well as by numerous astronomy clubs, planetariums, associations, tourist offices, chambers municipalities, associations, planetariums and city councils. For those who live in cities, the expert suggests going to a club or observation association and suggested “avoiding the use of cell phones”.

Increased visibility away from cities

Wherever you are on French territory, stargazing remains a magical spectacle accessible to everyone. But in order to appreciate it and admire this spectacle with the naked eye more clearly, it is recommended to move away from the cities. The ideal is to be in a place with a clear horizon, in the countryside or in the mountains.

The theme of this 33rd year’s event is “Celestial Dust”, on account of the cosmic dust that must prevail in the sky during the nights of the strongest appearance of the phenomenon.

Saturn and Jupiter will also be especially visible in the coming days, but according to Oliver Las Vergnas, to see these planets better, some kind of telescope is recommended.