ePluribus Media Community || citizen journalism, for the people, by the people

The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!

by roxy317

Sun Aug 05, 2007 at 01:28:13 PM EST

August is shaping up to be a "stellar" month! If you are interested in watching the heavens, mark these dates on your calendar.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Aug. 11-12

The event is also known as "The Tears of St. Lawrence."

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."

commentary :: :: :: buzz-it!

Lunar Eclipse

August will also bring a total lunar eclipse.

The next total eclipse of the Moon will occur on the night of 2007 August 27/28. The event will be visible from parts of North and South America as well the Pacific and eastern Asia. It is always interesting to read a little of the mythology surrounding these "stellar" events. The eclipses were explained in various ways in different culture's folklore:

In ancient China, people believed that eclipses occurred when a dragon swallowed the Moon. They beat on mirrors to make the dragon release the Moon and return it to the sky.

Get those telescopes sighted in and get ready for Mother Nature's night shows.

Image Credits:Perseid Meteor Shower - Space.com, lunar eclipse - NASA