Have you ever seen a shooting star? What about 100?
The Perseid meteor shower — aka the Perseids — is predicted to take place throughout July and August. The shower happens when Earth passes through the trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, offering spectators across the globe the opportunity to see ~100 meteors per hour when the shower is at its peak.
Ready to go meteor hunting? Check out our guide below.
When to view
The best time to watch the meteor shower is late at night or in the predawn hours during its peak from Thurs., Aug. 11-Sat., Aug. 13. These days will provide the opportunity to see the brightest + most numerous meteors.
However, because of the full Sturgeon moon on Thurs., Aug. 11, the showers are expected to be washed out. On this night, the sky will be darkest right before dawn.
Bonus: Even if you can’t watch the Perseid meteor shower during its peak, you can still catch views of the shower throughout July and August.
The Perseid meteors appear to stream away from the shower’s “radiant” point near the border of Perseus and Cassiopeia. | Photo by Sky & Telescope Illustration
Where to go
When choosing a spot to watch the Perseids, aim for a location that is away from man-made light. Here are some spots that we suggest:
Eagle Creek Park | 7840 W. 56th St.
Holcomb Observatory at Butler University | 4600 Sunset Ave.
Holliday Park | 6363 Spring Mill Rd.
Pro tip: You don’t need binoculars or a telescope to view the Perseids. If you have trouble finding the shower, make sure you are looking at the darkest part of the sky and allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
What to bring
- Blanket
- Light jacket (or even a sleeping bag)
- Chairs
- A red flashlight (learn how to make your own.)
Pro tip: Pick up popcorn from Just Pop In! or order s’mores from Smorecicles in case you get hungry.
