The AGO observatory on the Simplon Pass will host the Perseids Evening as a public observation event. If the weather is uncertain, the AGO website will provide information on whether the event will take place.
The radiant of the Perseids, the best-known and most prolific stream of shooting stars of the year, lies in Perseus on the border with Cassiopeia. With a speed of around 60 km/sec, the Perseids are among the faster shooting stars. Up to 100 meteors per hour could be seen at the maximum, and around 50 per hour in the days before and after.
The meteor stream can be traced back to comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. In mid-August, the Earth always crosses the dust trail of the former comet on its orbit around the sun. When these dust particles hit the Earth's atmosphere at high speed, they cause air molecules to glow, which we perceive as meteors.
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The visit is free of charge. However, please remember that the operation of the observatory incurs costs and is only possible with your generous support.
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