Monday, 10 August 2015 08:26

Star Alert: Tonight's Perseid Meteor Shower Is A Must See Says NASA

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Tonights Perseids could be spectacular from Gran Canaria Tonights Perseids could be spectacular from Gran Canaria www.photosgrancanaria.com

NASA has dubbed the 2015 Perseids as the must-see 2015 meteor shower and Gran Canaria is a great place to see them.

The Perseids are expected to produce up to 50 shooting stars per hour with peaks of 100 per hour. With the moon almost new, this year's event is expected to be as good as they come. 

Despite the cloudy skies over much of the island this morning, the forecast improves tonight and especially tomorrow night. Even if it's cloudy at sea level you can often get above the clouds by heading up into the highlands.

The 2015 Perseid peak between August 10 and 14.

Here are our top tips for seeing the Perseids:

  • Get as far away from artificial lights as possible, especially bright street lights. 
  • Head up into the highlands for the best chance of clear skies and quality darkness. In Gran Canaria, you'll stand the best chance of seeing the Perseids from the northern half of the island as the views are uninterrupted.
  • Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the dark (switch off all torches and mobile phones).
  • Look northeast as the Perseids come from the Y-shaped Perseus Constellation.
  • SGet up early or stay up late: The last hours of darkness are the best time to see the Perseids.

 

 

Read 8932 times Last modified on Monday, 10 August 2015 09:29
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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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