Page 52 - SanFelipe

Embracing the Night
Embr
acing the Night
Experiencing the Meteor Showers of Baja
Experiencing the Meteor Showers of Baja
by Stephen D. Manning
As a bit of a night owl, I have discovered the simple joy of gazing up at the stars, savor-
ing every moment of it of the splendor. Since spending time in areas with dark skies,
like Eastern Baja in particular. It has proven to be one of the best places to experience
the breathtaking beauty of a dark sky. The region’s low population density and minimal
light pollution make it an ideal location to witness incredible meteor showers, with no
need for telescopes or binoculars. All you need is a willingness to look up and let the
celestial display unfold before your eyes.
Although meteor showers occur at all times of the day and night, late-night viewing is
often recommended to avoid light pollution from highways and streetlights. If you’re
lucky enough to live in a sparsely populated area, the number of visible stars can be
staggering. It’s humbling to consider that our sun is just another star when viewed from
a distant planet.
My passion for stargazing led me to
San Felipe, Northern Baja, in August
2010. I chose this time specifically to
witness the Perseid meteor shower,
which peaks around the 10th. That
year, a new moon promised excep-
tionally dark skies, perfect for meteor
watching. Despite the summer heat,
my wife Holly joined me, intrigued by
the prospect. The experience was so captivating that it’s become an annual tradition for
us, sparking a shared enthusiasm for celestial events. Now, we eagerly anticipate each
promising meteor shower, our San Felipe adventure having kindled a lasting appreci-
ation for the night sky’s wonders. For those with more interested in sky viewing, just
43 miles from San Felipe lies The
Sierra de San Pedro Mártir Obser-
vatory. Contact them for a visit.
Picture yourself beneath a canopy
of stars, the Milky Way stretching
overhead. During one particularly
memorable shower, Holly and I
counted 29 meteors in the span
of a single Tom Petty song—a
delightful way to track time and
share the experience.
52 52