The peak of the annual Boötes Meteor Showers will be Friday night, but the showers are already visible each night after sunset. They will continue through Wednesday, July 2.
In Alabama skies, the best time to view Boötes is shortly after sunset. Look at the zenith, directly overhead. The meteors can be visible all night, but the post-dusk hours are best.
The exact location of the radiant point from which the meteors appear is between the bright star Arcturus — the brightest in Boötes — and the star Alkaid at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper, according to the International Meteor Organization. They'll be easy to find high in the Alabama sky.
Viewing is best away from city lights. Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep flashlights and cell phone lights off.
The Boötes showers are usually inconsistent. Expect bursts of multiple meteors and periods of no activity.
Because the moon just passed its new moon on June 25, skies should be dark and interference by moonlight will be minimal.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the skies show His handiwork.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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