State Parks Offering Free Viewing Hours For Highly Anticipated Perseids Meteor Showers

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders will soon be looking to the skies: The highly anticipated Perseids meteor showers are expect to reach peak viewing on Wednesday, August 12, through the predawn hours of Thursday, August 13.

According to Space.com, the Perseid meteor is active from July 17 through August 24, with "a strong maximum overnight on August 12 to 13, with sightings of 50 or more "shooting stars" per hour possible.

Also according to Space.com: "The Perseids officially build gradually over several weeks as Earth slowly enters the broad debris stream left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. It was last in the inner solar system in 1992 and will return in 2126."

Officials are giving New Yorkers the opportunity to be dazzled. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced that several Long Island state parks will remain open during the nighttime hours for viewing of the Perseids Meteor Shower on Wednesday, August 12 through predawn hours of Thursday, August 13.

There will be no charge and the normal star-gazing permit will not be required. Those attending must remain near their vehicles, officials said.

"We suggest that you dress appropriately, bring bug spray, and a chair that reclines. Binoculars are not necessary. Look towards the northeast and enjoy the celestial show," officials said.

State parks that will remain open for viewing are:

• Jones Beach State Park - West End 2 (west parking lot)

• Sunken Meadow State Park - Field 3

• Montauk Point State Park - Upper parking lot

• Wildwood State Park – Field 1 parking lot

• Orient Beach State Park – main parking lot

• Hallock State Park Preserve – Upper parking lot