This gorgeous photo of the moon over Marta was taken by the webcam of the Local Weather Station courtesy of Luca Viviani you can find out more about our weather on the Facebook Page or the website Meteo Marta
It seemed an appropriate choice to share today for La Notte di San Lorenzo, the night of the shooting stars. By tradition on the night of the Saints Day for San Lorenzo Italians will look to the night sky in the hope of seeing one of these elusive stars as each one seen means one wish will be granted. Due to this tradition you may also hear Italians referring to today as La Notte dei Desideri (The Night of Wishes).
Every year on this night many Italians will be seen scanning the skies in the hope of seeing a shooting star which they believe are to represent the tears shed for San Lorenzo on August 10th 258AD after he dies a martyr's death. I have written more about this night and the history behind San Lorenzo in previous years posts, so for those of you that feel so inclined to read more I have included some links below.
What are these falling stars? Well around the 9th -13th of August every year is when the Perseids, meterioids enter the earth's atmosphere lighting up the sky. These fragments of stars are travelling at a speed of 60 km per second and it is their trails that we can see here on earth with the naked eye, if we are lucky enough to do so.
We will certainly be star watching this evening and also attending Marta's 3rd Notte Bianca
More information can be found found in my posts from previous years La Notte di San Lorenzo - Perseids Meteor Shower, Notte di San Lorenzo 2010 and on Wikipedia - Perseids
This weekend where ever you are in the world and what ever you are doing, do take time to stand and stare at the night sky you may just get to Wish Upon A Star.
Happy Stargazing.
