Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower!
Tonight is the final night of Dark Sky Week and what better way to celebrate than with nature's own light show!
The Lyrid meteor shower will light up the sky this weekend and viewing conditions are close to ideal, with the moon illuminated at only 6% and setting around 10:30pm. Fun fact: the Lyrid meteor shower is one of the oldest recorded showers, with observations dating back to 687 B.C.
So grab a blanket, lay down under the open night sky, allow your eyes to adjust, and watch the show! If you're new to the night sky, download the Night Sky App (free on iOS). The app uses augmented reality to show you the constellations right above your head
Use the time to create a Dark Sky experience that inspires creativity. Things like:
Nighttime Photography: With the dark skies, try your hand at nighttime photography. Capturing stunning images of the night sky, the Milky Way, and the stars can be a creative outlet that can be deeply rewarding. (Night sky photography for beginners)
Poetry/Prose: In a dark sky community, spend time writing poetry or prose inspired by the night sky. Use the darkness, stars, and constellations as inspiration for your writing. (Night Sky, a poem by Don Bogen)
Painting/Drawing: Use the dark sky environment to inspire artistic expression. Create paintings, drawings, or other forms of art that capture the beauty and wonder of the night sky. (How to draw a night sky)
Watching a meteor shower and creating art under a dark sky can be an unforgettable experience. So, gather your friends and family, head to your backyard, and marvel at the wonders of the night sky. Take a moment to appreciate the vastness of the universe and the role we play in it. Who knows, you might even discover a new passion for astronomy!
Read more about the benefits of Dark Skies at Darksky.org. Check back regularly at montenido.org for for future posts on our Dark Sky Community.