Saturday, August 9, 2008

3 days and counting.

[Photo is called "Raining Perseids" and it was taken by a man named Fred Bruenjes. Unfortunately, I can't tell you more because the website where I found it is all in Chinese.]

From SPACE.COM:

Every August, just when many people go vacationing in the country where skies are dark, the best-known meteor shower makes its appearance.

It is also the month of "The Tears of St. Lawrence," more commonly known as the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Laurentius, a Christian deacon, is said to have been martyred by the Romans in 258 AD on an iron outdoor stove. It was in the midst of this torture that Laurentius cried out:

"I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other."

The saint's death was commemorated on his feast day, Aug. 10. King Phillip II of Spain built his monastery place, the "Escorial," on the plan of the holy gridiron. And the abundance of shooting stars seen annually between approximately Aug. 8 and 14 have come to be known as St. Lawrence's "fiery tears."

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FOR OPTIMAL VIEWING TIMES, ETC.

No comments: