August is a special month in the Cyprus night sky. Every August, the island is lucky enough to observe the Perseids meteor shower, a spectacular astro-event that brightly dots the sky. The meteor shower has already begun and events are approaching to make witnessing the event more accessible.

Every year the Kition Planetarium & Observatory hosts a meteor shower event and this August it will hold the 17th edition. As usual, it will take place at the KiteMed Kitesurfing Club at Softades, this year on August 11 at 7.30pm. Another event will be held the following day at 8pm in Kyperounda, in collaboration with Fakas Institute.

It is not just shooting stars that will decorate the night sky this month, however. A super full moon is approaching as well. “On August 19, the Moon will be very close to the Earth,” says Kition Planetarium & Observatory. The venue will hold a public event which will include a presentation and observations of the spectacular Supermoon.

“These days Venus shines on the West, the Summer Triangle hangs high, the Milky Way is at its best and the Perseids meteor shower gives a romantic touch to Cyprus’ night sky. Observe with professional telescopes the gems of the night sky,” it says.

The evening event will be held at the planetarium’s premises in Kiti, starting at 7.30pm and reservations are required (€10). A presentation in English on the supermoon phenomenon will take place before visitors take to the telescopes to witness it.

Perseids Meteor Shower

Observation of astrological event. August 11. KiteMed Kitesurfing Club, Softades. 7.30pm. august 12. Kyperounta, Nicosia district. 8pm. Tel: 99-991111. www.astronomycyprus.eu

SuperMoon

Presentation and observation of the August Supermoon. August 17. Kition Planetarium & Observatory, Kiti. 7.30pm. €10. In English. Tel: 99-991111. www.astronomycyprus.eu