Photo courtesy of Rick Stankiewicz.
Two celestial events occurring on the same day is rare, but that will be the case on August 12th when a partial solar eclipse will be later followed by the annual Perseid meteor shower event.
The partial solar eclipse will start at 12:53 p.m., with the maximum coverage of 10 percent attained at 1:40 p.m. before the eclipse ends at 2:47 p.m. Later, the Perseid meteor shower will be visible in the night sky.
The Peterborough Astronomical Association is marking both events with free public viewings. For the partial solar eclipse, members will be at the Riverview Park and Zoo gazebo with special viewing equipment. Later, starting at 9 p.m., members will be at the Harold Town Conservation Area for the meteor shower where binoculars and telescopes will be available for public use.
Longtime association member Rick Stankiewicz says the meteor shower event is well worth a look up.
Stankiewicz says as the night progresses, there’ll be more to see.
Stankiewicz stresses both events check a few boxes for seeking a different experience.
Should either event be cancelled due to heavy cloud, the association will make that announcement on its website at www.peterboroughastronomy.com.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
