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Last Chance to See Peak of Perseid Meteor Shower 2013

Where the Perseid meteor shower can be found in the sky, near the constellation of Perseus. (Credit: NASA) Where the Perseid meteor shower can be found in the sky, near the constellation of Perseus. (Credit: NASA)

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B.A. Morelli, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Editor's note: Mark Maley contributed to this report.

What is considered as the best meteor shower of the year — Perseid — is in full swing. 

National Geographic's NewsWatch reports the Perseids peak is from Aug. 11-13:

"With the moon out of the way during peak meteor times between August 11 and 13 in the overnight hours, expectations are high for a good performance year from the Perseids. As many as 60 to 100 meteors per hour from a dark location may be in the offering."

A clearing along Boyson Trail would be a good place to watch the meteor shower. 

The peak of the celestial show began on Saturday night, and the Perseids was at its fullest starting around 10 p.m. Sunday and through the predawn hours on Monday, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

Perseids will be visible nightly through Aug. 24, NASA says.

The Perseids have several advantages over other meteor showers that occur throughout the year, according to Astronomy.com: A consistently high rate of meteors; a higher percentage of bright meteors than other showers; and it happens when the weather is warm, so viewers enjoy the show all night.

The Perseids are also known for their fireballs, larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak, according to NASA. Fireballs are also brighter than typical meteors.

If you want watch the meteor shower, here are a few tips from the space agency:

  • The Perseids are best viewed during the predawn hours, though at times it is possible to view meteors from this shower as early as 10 p.m. The best time for viewing is about 4 a.m.
  • Find an area well away from city or street lights for best viewing.
  • Bring a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair, lie flat on your back with your feet facing northeast and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible.
  • After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. 
  • Be patient. The show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

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