Best Meteor Shower of The Year

The Perseid Meteor Shower Promises Not to Disappoint

Photo: Fernando Rodrigues, Unsplash

The best meteor shower of the year is upon us. The Perseid meteor shower began gracing us with its presence on July 17, 2021, and will continue to brace the skies until August 24, 2021. However, the best viewing is expected to take place between August 11th and 12th when NPR predicts there may be as many as 40-100 visible meteors soaring through the sky every hour!

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So, where are the best places to watch the show? Here are some tips.

• It’s estimated that 80% of Americans live in areas with too much light pollution for night skies to be visible. So where can you go? Find a spot with the least amount of light pollution as far away from the city lights as you can. Great spots include your local city, state or national parks. Spots at higher elevations are also great. Luckily, the crescent moon will be setting early so the sky will be especially dark which makes for optimal viewing even if you can’t get away. However, you will likely see fewer per hour, perhaps just a few (still worth it).

• Those in the Northern Hemisphere will have a better chance of viewing the meteors than those in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to position yourself to view the skies in the northeast direction which will have the most visible meteors.

• The best time to view the show is after 9 p.m. in the Northern Hemisphere or after midnight in the Southern Hemisphere until dawn.

• Allow yourself at least an hour for viewing. Meteors come in waves and it takes eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. Bring a comfortable chair, blanket and something warm to drink to enjoy the show.

• You won’t need binoculars or a telescope to see the meteors.

• If you can’t get outside to watch, join NASA on social media from Wednesday at 11 p.m. to Thursday at 6 a.m. Eastern Time. Check out NASA’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Photo: Usukhbayar Gankhuyag

Here are some of the best dark sky U.S. national parks and locations for viewing:

• Acadia National Park, Maine

• Arches National Park, Utah

• Big Bend National Park, Texas

• Black Canyon on the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

• Canyonlands National Park, Utah

• Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho

• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho

• Death Valley National Park, California

• Everglades National Park, Florida

• Glacier National Park, Montana

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

• Great Basin National Park, Nevada

• Joshua Tree National Park, California

• Mr. Rainier National Park, Washington

• Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

• Saguaro National Park, Arizona

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• Tips for Visiting U.S. National Parks

• More National Parks

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