According to NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke, the Perseids are perhaps the most popular meteor shower of the year; and in 2018, they’ll be the best shower of the year. During the Perseids’ peak this weekend, spectators should see about 60-70 meteors per hour, but in outburst years (such as in 2016) the rate can be between 150-200 meteors an hour. The meteor shower’s peak will be visible both the nights of Aug. 11-12 and Aug. 12-13, Cooke said, but he’s inclined this year to lean toward the night of Aug. 12-13 for the better show. (Both, however, should be spectacular.)

This year the meteor shower will peak in the evening under a new moon.  This will be of help to those in suburban areas.  The best places to view tonight’s meteor shower are rural areas.  These locations are far from city lights which can wash out starlight.  Think about inviting some of your city friends out to the country to pitch a tent and enjoy the show.

NASA is taking full advantage of the new moon to set up a network of cameras.  These cameras will capture the meteor shower from multiple locations and angles.  Tonight’s forecast for clear skies will allow NASA to thoroughly document the event.

This evening’s meteor shower will be a great time to let the kids stay up late to watch the skies.  We recommend a few snacks and a thermos of hot coco.  Make use of stargazing apps to show your children the direction in the sky to look for the meteor shower.  Pack the hoodies and a sleeping bag or two for when your little stargazers drift off to dreams of shooting stars.

To Learn More Visit NASA’s Watch The Skies website

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/watchtheskies/index.html