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Stargazers are in for a celestial treat as the γ-Normid meteor shower reaches its peak activity on March 14!
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino skywatchers will have the chance to see stars fall from the sky as the γ-Normid meteor shower will reach its peak activity on Friday, March 14.
The annual event, visible from February 25 to March 28, is expected to display up to six meteors per hour, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The shower may be seen once its radiant point, the constellation Norma, rises above the eastern horizon at around 11:33 pm on Thursday, March 13. Norma will be at its highest point in the sky at around 4 am on Friday, March 14, at which time the PAGASA says viewing will be most favorable. A shower’s radiant point is where the meteors seem to originate from the sky.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration website, meteor showers happen when space rocks, also called meteors or meteoroids, enter Earth’s atmosphere. As the rocks fall toward Earth, their resistance against air makes them extremely hot. The bright streak that tails the rocks is the “glowing hot air as the hot rock zips through the atmosphere.” Meteors are also known as shooting stars.
A waning gibbous moon — the phase between a full and a half moon — in the constellation Virgo will be present during the event, which could cause significant interference with visibility. To maximize the viewing experience, skywatchers are advised to find a dark observation site away from city lights and to view the sky under clear conditions.
No telescopes or binoculars are required to enjoy the γ-Normids, as meteors can be observed with the naked eye.
Filipinos have enjoyed meteor showers in the past. Among the most famous showers are the Perseids, which showed 200 to 300 shooting stars per hour in August 2016. – Rappler.com