If you’re a lover of the night sky, you’re in luck this August. One of the most anticipated meteor showers of the year is set to happen over New Hampshire between August 11th and the 13th. While many states across the country will be able to view this spectacular show, there’s nothing like being able to see it in a state with little light pollution. So, find yourself a nice spot, get outside, and wait to be amazed!
From August 11th through the early morning of the 13th, you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time under the night sky to see between 50 and 60 meteors fly through the air each hour.
Sjensen / Flickr
And to make things extra-special with more visibility, this peak of meteors will take place exactly when they’re at their closest proximity to Earth. They’ll look a lot like shooting stars and being close means you’ll have a great view.
rockyraybell / Flickr
Perseids gets its name from the Perseus constellation where the shower takes place.
l1mey / Flickr
If you’re in search of the best place to look upwards, try to identify the Perseus constellation. It might look something like this. But, there are a number of apps you can download that will tell you exactly where it is when you point your phone to the sky.
By Till Credner - Own work: AlltheSky.com, CC BY-SA 3.0
Not surprisingly, the show is best when the sky is clear. If we have the good fortune of a few cloudless days and nights, you should be able to see the meteors clearly sweeping across the sky in many colors throughout the night and early morning.
Takaaki Ito / Flickr
Unlike shooting stars, which seem to appear and immediately disappear. You should be able to see the Perseids for quite some time as the meteors fly across the sky. In fact, they only burn out about 50 miles from the Earth’s surface. That’s surprisingly close!
jahdakinebrah / Flickr
For the best chances of seeing this beautiful celestial show, try to find a viewing area with no light pollution. You’ll want the sky to be as dark as possible.
jeffreysullivan / Flickr And, if you can’t look directly at Perseus, don’t worry! You should be able to catch these across the sky no matter where your eyes are pointed.
Have you seen the Perseids in the past? If so, share any tips and tricks you have for seeing it in the comments.
Sjensen / Flickr
rockyraybell / Flickr
l1mey / Flickr
By Till Credner - Own work: AlltheSky.com, CC BY-SA 3.0
Takaaki Ito / Flickr
jahdakinebrah / Flickr
jeffreysullivan / Flickr
And, if you can’t look directly at Perseus, don’t worry! You should be able to catch these across the sky no matter where your eyes are pointed.
If you love getting outside in the Granite State there are plenty of options when incredible meteor showers aren’t taking place. Especially if you like to explore with the whole family. The Walter/Newton Natural Area is a beginner-friendly waterfall trail in New Hampshire that’s great for a family hike!
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Address: New Hampshire, USA
