Perseids and the Milky Way

Perseids Meteor showers are at their peak August 12th - 13th. Viewed best in the Northwest sky after the moon sets.

As I child I studied our solar system, never really understanding that it is just a very tiny spec inside the Milky Way galaxy.

Where we live the skies are dark at night. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way, thousands of stars stretched across the sky in a thick band. If you have never seen the Milky Way make time to do it at least once in your lifetime. It will take your breath away.

Image from NASA "Image of the Day Gallery"

Local Attractions

In late October and early November the local male deer go through a rutting season. My husband and I had a chance to see the "rut" in action. Five bucks were competing for the affection of one doe in the field behind our house. It was quite a sight to see. This buck was by far the oldest and strongest of the bunch and also the victor.

--Friday night you will be able to see the largest full moon of the year. The moon is closest to the earth this time of year. Look for high tides in coastal areas.

--In the early evening on Sunday, December 14, there will be a "window of opportunity" to view for Geminids meteor shower in a dark, moonless sky. Between the times that evening twilight ends and the time that the bright waning gibbous moon rises, there will be about an hour of dark sky available.

Sunset and Queen Anne

The Queen Anne's lace is in bloom everywhere! The neighboring fields are blanketed in a carpet of white that seems to go on forever.




I have always loved the delicate flowers that compose this plant, especially the blood red flower in the center. It really makes me marvel at the wonder of nature.


Perseids Meteor showers will be at peak in the early am on August 12th. Look to the sky just after the moon sets.