Perseids

We don't have light pollution where we live. Not really. There is a street light up the street from us, but it doesn't impede our view of the nightime sky.

Thus, when attempting to watch the Perseids last night, we didn't need to venture further than the car parked in the driveway. The car made a good leaning post. And the night sky was full of wonders.

Few were of the celestial variety. We saw myriad lightning bugs (which, until becoming aware of their presence, were mistaken for meteors); divebombing bats; the lights of many passing cars which began to seem excessive; and the high flying planes bound for who-knows-where. We seemed to be on a flight path last night. Unless it was a procession of UFOs. Always a possibility. We like to keep our options open.

I did see phantom trails of light so faint I couldn't be sure if I was seeing them or imagining them. One trail was red, but most were white. It was hard to tell through the haze, the stiff neck, and the insects flying into my nose and ears.

All for a chance to see the sky fall.