How to See the Perseids Meteor Shower This August
Here’s a quick guide on how to see the Perseids Meteor Shower, the summer’s best meteor shower, when it peaks this August.
First, I’ll give credit where credit is due. Gary Boyle, “The Backyard Astronomer,” has been my guide to the heavens for years now. He’s an astronomy educator, guest speaker and former columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
I first learned of his Wonders of Astronomy website a few years ago, and it’s been an invaluable resource not just for summer stargazing, but for keeping an eye to the skies all year round. Naturally, Gary has the goods on the Perseids.
How to See the Perseids Meteor Shower This August
As Gary points out, the Perseids commence in mid-July and last all the way to the first day of September. But the peak takes place in a much smaller window, beginning on the night of August 12 and lasting into the morning of August 13.
Why is that? Because the first quarter moon sets around 11:30 p.m. on the 12th and midnight on the 13th. With very little lunar glow, conditions will be prime to see what Gary estimates will be 90 meteors per hour, including some bright fireballs.
How to See the Perseids Meteor Shower in Your Own Backyard
I’m using “backyard” here figuratively and literally. If you’re like me and you have a backyard that’s protected from streetlights and gives you a clear view of the sky, all you need is a blanket and 15-20 minutes to let your eyes adjust to the darkness.
If you don’t, find a nearby park or natural area that gives you those conditions. Lay back, relax, and watch the show. Here’s hoping we’ll have clear skies in August. And if not? There’s always the Geminids later this year.