Israel - Meteor shower to draw hundreds to Mitzpe Ramon
Hundreds of astronomy fans will gather in Mitzpe Ramon on
Sunday evening to watch a meteor shower in the Negev skies.
Mitzpe Ramon's unique desert location and high altitude
make it a perfect observation spot.
As part of the event, which was organized by The Israeli
Astronomical Association (IAA), the Tel Aviv University's Astronomy Club,
Reshit Mada Foundation, the Mitzpe Ramon Regional Council and Sde Har HaNegev
field school, all of the lights in Mitzpe Ramon will be dimmed as well as
several of the military bases in the area.
"We are going to see between 30 and 50 shooting
stars per hour," said Dr. Diana Laufer, of the Geophysics and Planetary
Sciences Department of Tel Aviv University, who will lecture at the event about
the recent landing on Mars.
Tel Aviv resident Yael Ilmar, said that this year they
are expecting to see a more intense meteoroid stream than previous years.
"This is a unique event, like from a fairytale. It's hard to see this from
the center (of Israel) because of the air pollution. Mitzpe Ramon and the Arava
are perfect for this reason," she noted.
Several fans who were eager to witness the spectacular
event, gathered in the area on Saturday night for a smaller meteor shower.
Gershon Berkovitz said he came all the way from Petach
Tikva to watch the meteor shower. "I am an astronomy fan. It is very hard
to see this in central Israel. Also, the weather here is great, and the kids
are having a blast. This is better than any summer camp," he said.
Mitzpe Ramon hotels and inns have reported expecting full
occupancy, with thousands expected to join the event.
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