Unique in the world

That’s why Lower Austria is “ahead of NASA” when it comes to the Perseids

Astrophotographer Gerald Rhemann in front of one of the many fantastic images he has captured from space(Bild: zVg)

When reports are published about the popular shooting star nights in mid-August, their "mother comet" is often shown in the picture. And Lower Austria plays a globally unique role here, which even the US space agency NASA likes to draw on. Why this is the case and how "Krone" readers can win a special Perseid night.

The dust trail of comet "109P/Swift-Tuttle" triggers the annual Perseid "fireworks" on Earth. Every year, the small pieces burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere when our planet comes close to the comet's former orbit.

Krone readers can still win a special August night with this astronomical spectacle if they take part in our competition by Sunday, July 28. Because on a clear starry night, you can see the beacon of shooting stars shining particularly brightly with the team from the Martinsberg Astronomical Center. Why Lower Austria plays a special role here is mainly thanks to one person ...