What a Wonderful World

Brian Emfinger photographed this early Perseid meteor shower fireball, with a smoke trail, from Ozark, Arkansas just after midnight on Sunday, July 26, 2009. CREDIT: Brian Emfinger, used with permission (more photos: http://www.realclearwx.com). View full size image

For Northern Hemisphere observers, August is usually regarded as "meteor month" with one of the best displays of the year reaching its peak near midmonth. That display is, of course, the annual Perseid Meteor Shower beloved by everyone from meteor enthusiasts to summer campers. 

But sky watchers beware: You will be facing a major obstacle in your attempt to observe this year’s Perseid performance, namely, the moon.

This year, the moon will be full on Aug. 13just in time to seriously hamper, if not all but prevent, observation of the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which is predicted peak overnight on Aug. 12 and 13. Bright moonlight will flood the sky all through that entire night and will certainly play havoc with any serious attempts to observe these meteors. 

Photographer: Robert Arn; Robert's website Summary Author: Robert Arn; Jim Foster

While it has been long known that the rotation of the Earth, combined with the Moon orbiting our blue marble, makes it appear that the Moon rises and sets, some have thought otherwise. As shown above, it looks like evidence is now falling to their side. Rumor has it that the Moon is brought down for repair about one day each month, but no photos support this claim. Thermal infrared film used to view the crane, which was nearly invisible to the unaided eye.

Earth Science Picture of the Day

Photographer: Rick Stankiewicz Summary Author: Rick Stankiewicz; Jim Foster

Before dawn on March 1, 2011 in the southeastern sky, the conjunction of the crescent Moon and the ever brilliant Venus was worth getting up early to see. The Moon was three days prior to new phase, sometimes referred to as "the new moon in the arms of the old," and separated from our sister planet by about 4.5 degrees. This comely pair rose in the glow of a twilight sky behind the silhouettes of the trees beside my house. Note the earthshine -- the non-illuminated portion of the Moon. It's seemingly lit up by Venus but is in actuality a product of the Earth's reflected sunlight. If you missed this eye-catching conjunction, stay tuned for a similar pairing on the morning of March 31. Photo taken near Keene, Ontario, Canada.

Earth Science Picture of the Day

A robin is silhouetted against a waning moon as it sits in a tree in Overland Park, Kan. Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Charlie Riedel - AP/N&O