Astronomy - Shooting Stars: Dark Regions hope for clear weather
Starry Nights Approach: In August, this natural experience is expected to be observable in the night sky, particularly in Brandenburg's darkest regions.
The Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide offers optimal conditions for the Starry Night Spectacle, according to the Heinz Sielmann Foundation. There, due to the particularly dark night sky, the view of the stars is good - the same in the Star Park Westhavelland. Most Perseid meteors are expected on the night of August 12-13.
"The wonder of the starry night is a natural experience that many people have lost touch with," said the expert at the foundation, Hannes Petrischak. In Sielmann's natural landscape Kyritz-Ruppiner Heide, it's different. "The landscape here is open and flat, so neither trees nor hills obstruct the view." Far from artificial light sources, the view of the stars is excellent. The Kyritz Ruppiner Heide aims to be certified as an internationally recognized star park.
The Nature Park Westhavelland, where the night sky is also particularly dark, was recognized as the first star park nationwide ten years ago. There, star enthusiasts are expected again in August to observe the Perseids, for example, while picnicking on a meadow in the little place Parey (Havelaue) until dawn.
The Urania Planetarium in Potsdam invites on August 12 to a lecture about the Perseid Night. "After midnight, the chances of meteor sightings are at their greatest: Then, after all, Perseus is high in the sky and the Perseids can be observed in every direction," the planetarium shared.
The Perseids are among the most famous meteor showers. They are named after the constellation Perseus, from which they seem to originate. Their true cause lies in the fact that the Earth crosses the orbit of the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in its orbit around the Sun and encounters the particles scattered by it. These particles then glow as shooting stars when they enter the Earth's atmosphere.
- Additionally, if you're planning a trip to Potsdam, consider visiting the Urania Planetarium for an insightful talk about the Perseid Night.
- Apart from the Heide and Westhavelland, Brandenburg's Westhavelland Nature Park also provides an exceptional Nature experience for stargazers, particularly during the Perseid meteor shower.
- The dark skies of Westhavelland are ideal for astronomy enthusiasts, offering a clear view of the cosmos, including the constellation Perseus, the origin of the Perseid meteor shower.
- After a day of exploring the Westhavelland's natural beauty, take a drive to the peaceful countryside of Westhavelland's Westhavelland, known for its rural charm and endless opportunities for a Nature experience under the starry Brandenburg sky.
