Here's what to do during the weekend of 7-9 August.
Happen to be in the High Tatras this Saturday and eager to learn something fascinating? Then don't miss the open day at the Astronomical Institute's observatories at Skalnaté Pleso mountain lake and atop the Lomnický Štít peak. You'll discover how the observatories operate, explore their telescopes, and find out how the data they collect is put to use. Click here to learn more.
Tip: Quarter of all comets discovered between 1946 and 1959 were found from the Skalnaté Pleso Observatory in the High Tatras. Learn about the time when Czechoslovakia was considered a 'comet superpower'.
Speaking of looking at the sky, allow us to remind you that it's that time of year again. One of the most impressive meteor showers, the Perseids, has been increasing its visibility and will reach its peak next week around 12-13 August. The moon will be a new moon during the peak, so you will have dark skies for meteor viewing. However, you can go out this weekend too. The shower's radiant—the point from which it appears to originate—is in the constellation Perseus, located in the north-eastern part of the night sky. You can use a light pollution map to find a suitable location, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast. The Perseids remain visible until late August, so you may choose to venture out on a different night.
