Perseids Meteor Shower

The Perseids, that means Perseus' sons, is an annual meteor shower that appears to radiate from the constellation of Perseus from mid-July, peaking in activity between August 9 and 14 each year.  If the skies where you live are clear tonight enjoy it.  The best time to see the meteors is between 3 and 4 am your local time according to NASA visibility map.

Perseus (Greek: Περσεύς), was the son of Zeus and Danae and a hero in Greek Mythology who slaughtered many monsters.  He is best remembered for the beheading of Medusa, a feared monster who turned men who looked at her into stone. He is the legendary founder of the city of Mycenae that played an important role in the Trojan war.  He saved beautiful Andromeda from Cetus the monster.  The two fell in love and were the progenitors of the Perseid dynasty of the Danaans.

Kimolos and Polyaigos Islands

The island of Kimolos is in close proximity to the larger island Milos and the uninhabited island of Polyaigos.  All three islands belong to the Aegean volcanic ring.  The island derives its name from Kimolos, husband of Side, daughter of Taurus. During the ancient times it was allied with Athens while nearby Milos with Sparta.  This led to conflicts between the two islands because of their desire to possess the nearby islands such as Polyaigos. During the Byzantine and Frankish periods Kimolos was known for the mining and commerce of chalk.  In the years that followed the Franks, Venetians and especially the Pirates caused major reduction of population resulting in financial decline.  The decline reversed in recent years because of tourism.     

The port of Psathi in Kimolos can be reached by ferry from Piraeus or Milos.  Other than the infrequent ferry, local fishermen and their colorful boats use the port.

Three sailors George, John and Nikos entering the port of Kimolos on their laser sailboat.

The small white church is characteristic of the Cycladitic ecclesiastical architecture.

The lighthouse (left) is perched on the top of Pharos bay (right) at the island of Polyaigos.  Polyaigos that means many goats was inhabited mostly by shepherds but also by pirates as needed.  Lovers also seek and attracted to the beauty and solitude of the island.  

The islets near Polyaigos are immersed in the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea.  As the Aegean is known for its clear blue green color why did Homer repeatedly called her ''wine-dark sea'' in the Iliad and Odyssey?  Is it because the wine Greeks drank was blue, the result of a chemical reaction with alkaline water, as Greeks did not drink their wine neat but always diluted it with water?  Was it because Greeks at the time of Trojan War were colorblind?  Can the word blue be a later addition that did not exist in the early versions of the epics or was it a poetic device Homer and troubadours that followed him used?  I am afraid I will not offer the answer to the enigma but I am willing to attest the sea surrounding Polyaigos is among the most beautiful on this planet.