The Tears of St. Lawrence, in Collserola

The phenomenon known as the Perseids, or the Tears of St. Lawrence, occurs every year around the date of the festival of Saint Lawrence. From the 25th of July to the 18th of August the earth traverses the space where the Swift-Tuttle comet has passed and the cosmic dust remaining from the comet’s tail disintegrates in contact with the earth’s atmosphere.

The resulting brief but intense light show, which is clearly visible with the naked eye, originates in the constellation Perseus and is so named because during the middle ages and the renaissance periods it was believed that the sky was crying in mourning for Saint Lawrence, who was burned at the stake, the corresponding festival being held on the 10th of August.

While the meteor shower is visible throughout the month of August it reaches its maximum intensity on the 12th and 13th and, as part of the series “Astronomy nights” organised by the Collserola Nature Park up until the 26th of September, a special Perseids observation event has been organised by the park committee for Wednesday the 13th, which coincides with this year’s recent super-moon which will remain almost full on the evening in question.

The Tears of St. Lawrence can be observed between 9.30 pm and 11.30 pm on Wednesday the 13th of August in the Collserola Nature Park. Entry costs 5.10 euros and prior reservation is required as places are limited. More information is available here.