By Brian Campued
As the country celebrates the Philippine Space Week from Aug. 8–14, curious space enthusiasts need not look far for a cosmic treat as a rare planetary alignment and a meteor shower are expected to grace the sky this month.
In its monthly astronomical diary, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that beginning Aug. 10, the early morning sky will showcase a “parade” of planets featuring Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune as well as the moon.
If the weather permits, four of the six planets could be seen through the naked eye, while Uranus and Neptune would require the use of a telescope or high-powered binoculars.
According to PAGASA, the phenomenon would be best viewed over the eastern sky at around 6:00 a.m. on Aug. 20, “when Mercury will appear at its highest above the horizon.”
“This celestial show will be visible until the end of the month,” it said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, skywatchers are also in for another spectacular treat with the Perseid meteor shower reaching its peak on Aug. 12.
Created from the debris of the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, the meteor shower has been visible since July 17 and will continue until Aug. 24.
As “one of the most anticipated annual events” for stargazers, PAGASA said the Perseid meteor shower is expected to produce about 150 meteors per hour during its peak and while under dark skies.
“The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus and are best viewed from 10:00 p.m. to dawn, with peak activity expected around 5:00 a.m.,” PAGASA said.
However, the moon in its last quarter phase will interfere with the meteor shower viewing, it added.
-jpv
