SKYWATCH: August 2021
By Phillip Virden: Lake City, Colorado Amateur Astronomer, Cooperative Observer for 30+ years for National Weather Service, Dark Sky Coordinator for Lake Fork Valley Conservancy
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER COMING SOON - PLUS, RECORD-BREAKING PRECIPITATION
There is a lot that has gone on with Lake City’s weather in July and a lot that will be going on in our nighttime sky in August.
First the Perseids. Here is some information on this annual meteor shower plus some tips for viewing them:
· The annual Perseid meteor occurs from late July until late August.
· The Perseids are the result of Earth’s orbit going through leftover debris (made up of ice, dust, gas) from Comet Swift-Tuttle. Comet Swift-Tuttle was discovered in 1851.
· The peak of the Perseids usually occurs August 10-13. This year, the forecast for the most prolific meteors is on the evening of August 12 into the morning of the 13th.
· No special equipment is necessary. A comfortable chair that leans back is great to have. Also, lying down on a sleeping bag or thick blanket is recommended.
· Although this meteor shower radiates from the Perseus constellation, meteors can be seen from anywhere in the night sky. Start off with getting comfortable and looking straight up.
· Find a good dark site to view. Light pollution wipes out the view of most meteors.
· The Moon will be in a waxing crescent stage, so it won’t interfere with this year’s viewing.
· Allow for at least an hour to view. Meteors come in spurts, so patience is key to having the best chance to “catch” some. Also, it takes our eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the night sky.
· Lake City Skies will be holding a meteor shower watch at Windy Point on Wednesday, August 11 from 8 to 11 pm. There is no charge and is open to the public. Guests are asked to dim their headlights as they drive up to the viewing area. Donations are welcome to the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy.
· If you can’t make it to Windy Point, let us know how many meteors you witness by sending an email to Phillip at starmanlakecity@msn.com or sending a text to 970-596-0860.
· Make a wish on the first meteor you see! Best of luck for clear skies!
Ominous storm clouds were a regular late afternoon occurrence in Lake City in July.
The total precipitation for July was incredible. Lake City broke the record for rain in July. The record was 5.51” set in 1981 and the July 2021 total was a whopping 5.58”! We had 17 days of precipitation for the month with an incredible 1.23” coming down the evening of July 23. That storm closed several roads including Highway 149 north for several hours. As a result, several residents and visitors were stranded. Fortunately, the Chamber and so many people reached out to help folks find a place to stay for the night. Other closures included a slide near Wagon Wheel Gap by Creede, one up Slumgullion Pass, and an area near Cinnamon Pass. We all need to be prepared for these sudden flash floods this time of year, regardless of our outdoor activity. The National Weather Service is a good source for getting current information on weather forecasts and flash flood warnings. https://www.weather.gov
July Weather Statistics for Lake City, Colorado
Average high temperature for July was 79.2 vs 76.8 historical average.
Highest recorded temperature was 87 on July 9.
Average low temperature for June was 46.9 vs 44.7 historical average.
Lowest recorded temperature was 41 on July 16.
Average mean temperature for June was 63.05 vs 60.7 historical average.
July 2021 precipitation was 5.58” vs 2.05” historical average. (New record)
August Weather Averages
Average high temperature is 74.1.
Average low temperature is 43.4.
Average mean temperature is 58.8.
Average total precipitation is 2.22” (usually wettest month of year)
The four Galilean moons are constantly changing as they orbit around Jupiter and are always a treat to view through at telescope. The planet has nearly 80 moons but, still, the most known are Europa, Callisto, Ganymede, and Io which Galileo discovered in 1609.
August Sky at Night
August 2 - Saturn at opposition
August 3 - At dawn, the Moon will appear near Aldebaran (Taurus constellation)
August 8 - New Moon – A great time to view our Milky Way galaxy.
August 10 - Bright Venus will appear near the crescent Moon in the west at dusk.
August 10-13 - Perseid meteor shower peaks. Lake City Skies will hold a meteor watch session at Windy Point on August 11.
August 19 - Jupiter at opposition.
August 20 - Saturn, the Moon, and Jupiter will be in the same part (southeast) of the sky.
August 22 - Full Moon
Weekly Summer Stargazing Programs Begin
Lake City Skies will be holding stargazing sessions this summer at Windy Point and Memorial Park. They will be from 8 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. MST. View all upcoming sessions here! People are asked to dim their headlights when the approach the site, wear warm clothing, and bring something to sit on. Bring your telescope and/or binoculars if you have them!
We will hold a few more sessions in September and will post those dates in our next Skywatch. *Inclement weather (rain, lighting, total cloud cover) will cause for cancellation of session.
If you have a question or would like to share information or your own photo, email Phillip Virden at starmanlakecity@msn.com