From NASA: "In this 30 second exposure taken with a circular fish-eye lens, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)"
The famed Perseid meteor shower will peak during the mornings of August 11 through the 13th, with the highest peak possibly the night of August 11 through the morning of August 12. This year promises to be a great showing, since the crescent Moon will set early after sunset, and so its light will not interfere with the meteor shower!
If you can't watch for Perseids in real life for whatever reaosn, you can watch NASA's livestream! Find more info about Perseids and info on how to join here.
To observe this shower, get to a dark spot, get comfortable, and bring blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky. You may want to pack some bug spray for this potentially warm summer nights!
Find out more Perseid observing tips for this year courtesy EarthSky and on JPL's What's Up for August 2021 stargazing video. The Night Sky Network has a handout that you may find useful for your meteor watching party: Heads Up: It's a Meteor Shower Handout!
Date: Wednesday, 8/11/2021 - Friday, 8/13/2021
