There’s a prize (albeit, booby) for anyone who can match the blog title with the 1970′s movie…

Anyway, moving on.

Three years ago I spent the Summer in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For those familiar with my book, you’ll know it was the best of times and the worst of times. For those of you not familiar, I won’t go into the crap stuff here – after all, that’s what books are for. But one of the highlights had to be the vast, uninterrupted view of the night sky over the high desert: an awe-inspiring view further enhanced by the arrival of the Perseids Meteor Shower.

One night, while sat out on the balcony sipping margaritas, my boyfriend nipped inside for a top up. I was left to contemplate my speck of an existence against the eternally bejewelled backdrop of Orion, Sirius et al. My next memory was ducking, turning, and running for cover, screaming all the while. My boyfriend – obviously concerned – ran out to see what the ruckus was all about. It was roundabout that moment I felt like a first class idiot. I’d just seen a shooting star: or, to be more precise, a meteor. A great big one. Huge. In fact, I’m pretty sure it had teeth. I swear, I have never seen a falling star fall so low in all my margarita swilling days.

Santa Fe is over a mile above sea-level. Whether that had anything to do with the meteor’s low flying appearance, I don’t know; all I do know was it came within singeing distance – that was quite enough for me. Still, it’s an experience I shall never, ever forget. And it wasn’t the last of the Perseids I saw that Summer. We spent a couple of nights on the roof of our apartment block gawping as meteor after meteor fell from the heavens. My god it was spectacular.

Which brings me to the point of this blog.

The Perseids Meteor Shower are almost upon us (literally).  The Perseids is by far, the biggest and best meteor shower – full stop. It’s unashamedly showy. The following is taken from seasky.org:

‘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.’

Seriously, and I cannot stress this enough, if you have the opportunity to flee the incessant light pollution of the city and are able find a dark corner somewhere, it’s well worth camping out, staying up, and watching them. It’s magical. The kids will love it. You’ll love it. You’ll thank me. That’s if the pesky clouds stay out of the way.

Reconnect with Nature and watch as one of the greatest shows fall to earth.

Thanks for stopping by.

Thea E ~