But it was earlier in the evening that we were able to observe the crescent moon along with Saturn, Mars, and Venus. Pretty phenominal.
Very cool stuff. We have always tried to see whatever atronomy event was happening and visible wherever we are/were. I think the first time we saw the Perseids was from a dock on the island of Guanaja, Honduras in 1988....
From some internet research:
August 12, 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year's shower should peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13th, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight. (This info was spot on, we stood along the edge of the pool gazing towards the North East and were not disappointed)
August 13 - Triple Conjunction with the Moon. The planets Venus, Mars, and Saturn will all be close to the thin, crescent moon on this evening. Look to the west just after sunset. (again, spot on, I only wish I knew then which bright light was which planet) Now, I've seen this photo from the internet
If you missed last nights show, don't fear; look whats happening in jus the next few nights
Friday, August 13
•Low in the west in twilight, the crescent Moon is about 10° left of Venus, as shown above.
Saturday, August 14
•Arcturus is the brightest star high in the west after dusk (high above the place where Venus declines and sets). At about the same height to its right in the northwest, look for the Big Dipper now turning right-side up. Nearly as high in the northeast, W-shaped Cassiopeia is climbing upward.
An easy way to find Arcturus is to follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper. By continuing in this path, one can find Spica (α Virginis) as well—hence the maxim, "Arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica."
Don McLean's Starry Starry Night lyrics
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.
Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...