Working and Perseid Meteor Showers

Posted by Paul A. Heckert Aug 12, 2007

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend. Many people take advantage of meteor showers to seek a dark sky and enjoy nature's spectacular show. The Perseids are often very spectacular.

I am working on astronomical research at a dark mountaintop observatory. I am under the moonless night sky from dusk till dawn studying the stars. With this front row seat, it seems that I would see lots of spectacular Perseid meteors.

It turns out that I get to see very few Perseids. I am too busy with my work, which is measuring the brightness of variable stars in an attempt to understand what makes them vary in brightness.

The most spectacular view of the Perseids that I ever had was in 1988. The telescope developed electronic problems which could not be fixed until morning. I was forced to slow down and enjoy one of nature's simple pleasures.

Modern life is much like that. We are always so busy with our work and other responsibilities that we seldom have time to enjoy the simple pleasures that nature offers. We need to occasionally slow down and enjoy.

Running, walking, bicycling, and other outdoor exercise programs allow us to do just that. Exercising regularly helps keep our bodies healthy. Doing the exercise outdoors in nature helps keep our souls healthy.

My daily runs and walks to and from work give me time outside to slow down and enjoy nature's gifts. They might include a spectacular view from a trail, some wildlife in the woods, a colorful sunset, or even weather that would keep most people indoors.

People whose exercise programs include running, walking, bicycling, skiing, or any other outdoor activity have an opportunity to enjoy the natural world. People who spend all their time indoors miss this opportunity.

Go outside. Get some exercise. Enjoy nature. Don't forget to occasionally look up at the night sky; you might see a meteor shower.