Dear John and Doves,

As of August 4, 2012, the International Meteor Organization is reporting a zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) for Perseid meteor shower of 14 meteors per hour (+ or – 2). The full moon in early August is definitely interfering with this year’s northern summer meteors. You can see meteors in bright moonlight, although not as many. But clearly many people are seeing meteors! The Delta Aquarid and Perseid meteor showers combine in late July and August to create what most consider the best and most reliable meteor display for Northern Hemisphere observers.

 In early August, you’ll notice the moon is very big and bright in the sky most of the night. As always, after midnight is the best time for meteor watching, but the moon will be there. If you want to pinpoint a date, try the mornings (not the evenings) of August 11, 12 and 13. The moon will be a waning crescent then, and the meteors should be flying at a rate closer to their peak of 50 or 60 meteors per hour. As an added treat – on August 11, 12 and 13 – the moon will be sweeping past the brightest planets Venus and Jupiter in the eastern predawn sky. You can’t ask for more!

I hope this is a witness from the Lord as Mr B G Ellis posted that we could be going home around this time, You certainly couldn't ask for more!

See You All Soon

Yours in Christ

Paul H