Meteor shower will rain stars on the Islands
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Save up those wishes because there should be a whole lot of falling stars to wish upon early next week.
The viewing shows will last until 2 a.m. each day. For information, call Bishop Museum at 848-4136 or log on to the museum's Web site.
The annual Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak from midnight to dawn Monday and Tuesday, with about 60 to 70 meteors per hour.
Viewing the Perseid show
To help star gazers enjoy the showers, the Bishop Museum will hold special viewing programs at Hanauma Bay on both days.
Museum Planetarium manager Mike Shanahan said this year the moon will set before midnight and provide meteor watchers with a clear view of the meteors, weather permitting.
Shanahan said the Perseid showers aren't expected to be as spectacular as last November's Leonid shower. But he said people aren't going to be disappointed with the show.
"This is the one you can count on most consistently," Shanahan said. "The Leonids are like the crazy erratic rock star of meteor showers."
The Perseids occur each year when the Earth travels through debris the size of rice grains left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As the debris enters the Earth's atmosphere, it burns up and creates what are sometimes referred to as falling stars.
Those interested in attending the museum's free shows are asked to arrive at Hanauma Bay park between 11:30 and 11:55 p.m. Sunday or Monday.
No one will be allowed to enter the park after midnight.
As part of the event, Sam Rhoads, who gives the regular "Sky Tonight" program, will provide sky interpretations. Shanahan also will point out the various constellations.
Guests should bring lawn chairs, warm clothes and flashlights with red lights, rather than white lights. Snacks and beverages are welcome, but alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
