Meteor Shower

Keeping with our celestial theme this week, I've become aware of another western-US-only event. This time it's The 2007 Aurigid Meteor Shower! At 4:36am on Saturday morning (wake up early, or stay up late Friday night) fragments from the long-period comet Keiss will be passing by Earth. Because it's a long period comet, it only comes every once in a long while -- that means it doesn't get heated by the sun very often, so the fragments that come off are "older" and "different" than usual meteors. I don't know what that means exactly, but the coloration may be pretty, I'm told.

For optimal viewing, find yourself a dark spot away from the city (but hey, a spot in the city is better than nothing) and look to the North-North-East.

Gunfire

This morning just before 1am, I heard what sounded like firecrackers. What really worried me was the three distinct pops after the main burst. Firecrackers don't pop one at a time. Shortly afterwards, sirens could be heard all over Beacon Hill. Suspecting Rainier Valley, I was right:

KOMO 4
Seattle PI
KING 5

Fortunately Beacon Hill manages to avoid the danger that befalls the Rainier Valley. Our compatriots to the east need to get their act together and drive out these lunatics.

Lunar Eclipse Tonight

Starting around 2:00am and ending at 4:30am, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in Seattle. NASA has more details.