The solar eclipse of August 21st has everyone buzzing, whether it beaming plans for the sighting or ordering the right viewing glasses. The event will be a total eclipse when the sun and the moon will align themselves, darkening the sky, and in some areas, bringing out the stars and constellations for the brief moment of totality. For Georgia citizens, you can expect the solar eclipse to begin at around 2:35 in the afternoon, and it will last for approximately two and half minutes. For the direct path, Rabun County, Georgia is the place to be where the length will be much longer than in other locations.
However, we can't allow the solar eclipse to completely overshadow other great astronomical events. For example, the Perseid Meteor shower will take place on August 12, before the solar eclipse. For many who can not attend the solar eclipse since it is on a Monday afternoon, this would be a great opportunity to head outside to view the meteor shower. Make sure to check in your area for gatherings and locations for observations. It is also important to consider making reservations or planning to arrive early since some venues fill up quickly while others run on a first-come-first-serve basis.
October 21, one month after the eclipse, is another great opportunity, especially when the moon is expected to set early leaving a clear night sky for viewing the shower. Radiating from beneath the Orion constellation, the Orionid shower will last from night to the following morning. This is the same shower to which Halley's Comet belongs, visiting every 76 years.
Similar to the Orionid shower, the Geminid shower will peak at night and lead into the next morning; however, the Geminid shower can produce nearly 120 meteors per hour whereas the Orionid only 20 meteors per hour at most. This amazing event will take place on December 13 and 14, which gives you plenty of time to mark your calendars.
