Sky show: 50 shooting stars an hour

MANILA, Philippines - Astronomy buffs can expect to see at least 50 shooting stars per hour tomorrow night until near dawn of Thursday, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

“The Perseids meteor shower will be observed with its peak in the late evening and early morning hours on Aug. 12 and 13,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its monthly astronomical diary.

Under clear and dark skies, at least 50 or more meteors will be observed during peak time, the weather agency said.

The Perseids radiate out from the constellation Perseus, which is located in the eastern horizon during August, it said.

According to PAGASA, August is one of the most popular times of the year to observe meteor showers.

Fair weather

Meanwhile, PAGASA weather forecaster Shaira Nonot said Filipinos could witness the meteor showers as fair weather is expected to prevail in the country on Aug. 12 and 13.

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also said there would be no moonlight to upstage the Perseids meteor shower this year.

Nonot said the southwest monsoon, which was enhanced by Typhoon Hanna (international name Soudelor), would continue to bring cloudy skies with occasional rains over Luzon and eastern Visayas until today.

She said partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms would prevail over the country from Wednesday until the weekend.

Nonot said no tropical cyclone or low-pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this week.