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Where to see the Perseids meteor shower visible in the night sky this August
The best way to see this summer meteor shower is at an astronomy centre away from light pollution
Look to the skies this summer and you may be able to spot the meteor shower known as the Perseids, with shooting stars streaming across the heavens.
The name comes from the point in the sky from which the meteor shower appears to come, which is from the constellation Perseus.
The Perseids meteor showers are caused by Earth passing through debris like ice and rock left behind by the Swift-Tuttle Comet, which last passed close to Earth in 1992.
While the Perseids take place between July 14 and September 1, the peak is normally when the Earth passes through the densest and dustiest area on August 11 and 12.
For this reason, the Perseids are also sometimes known in Spain as ‘The Tears of Saint Lawrence’, because the Catholic feast of St Lawrence is on August 10.
Although the peak of the Perseids 2024 will be between 3pm and 6pm on August 12, according to the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory, it will be better to try and see a shooting star in the evening or at night after the sun has gone down.
For the best view, go out somewhere in the countryside, away from large towns and cities, to a place with as little light pollution as possible.
In the mountains around Cartagena, the Finca Astronómica is a fun, informal observatory which has Astronomy Tours in English to allow families to discover the wonders of space at any time of year.
The Finca Astronómica is the perfect place to get the best view of the Perseids meteor shower this summer – just contact them using the form or phone number below and book yourself in for a visit now:
Address
Casas del Puente 3, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, 30397Tel: +34 623 140 902
The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages
Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.
Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.
At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.
The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.
By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.
To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with 
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.
schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.
The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.
What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.
This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.
But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.
This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.
Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.
