In Yucatán, the festivities in honor of San Lorenzo are celebrated on August 10th
While the festivities in honor of San Lorenzo are celebrated on August 10th, this year’s spectacle will coincide with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower which occurs between August 11 and 13. The professor emérito del Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida (ITM), Salazar Gamboa, explained that there is a three-day window where it can be seen, although its maximum activity will take place between midnight and 6:00 am on the aforementioned dates.
On this occasion, the Yucatecos will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most copious showers of the year, with a frequency of up to 120 meteoroids per hour. According to Salazar Gamboa, who is an expert in astronomy, it’s one of the three most abundant showers of the year, and its magnitude will be around 2.2; however, some will be brighter and longer-lasting.
The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between July 25th and August 24th, but its peak activity takes place on the nights and early mornings of August 11-13, with up to 100 shooting stars per hour at their maximum frequency. This phenomenon is caused by the remains of comets that have passed close to the sun, specifically the Swift-Tuttle comet of 1862 II.
According to Salazar Gamboa, the Earth crosses paths with the point where the comet passes, attracting the particles floating in space through gravity and causing them to burn up in the atmosphere, thus creating a bright streak of light. This phenomenon can be seen from anywhere on the planet but will be more intense at higher latitudes.
As a general rule, it’s recommended to observe this spectacle away from urban areas where there is less pollution and artificial light that interferes with visibility. It’s also best to observe in a group with binoculars or a telescope to increase the chances of spotting shooting stars.
The significance of the Perseid meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower has a historical and religious significance, particularly for those who live in the towns of Tahmek, Yobaín, and Tahdziú. According to Salazar Gamboa, it’s also known as the “Tears of San Lorenzo” and is an event that brings people together.
In the past, this phenomenon was associated with a Catholic saint named Saint Lawrence, who lived during the 3rd century AD. He was martyred on August 10th by being roasted
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