How to: Watch a Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 13. Follow these tips to see one of nature’s most spectacular nighttime light shows.

Sizzling Space Dirt

Meteor showers happen when Earth collides with a stream of ice, dust, and rocks that was left in space by the tail of a comet. As the space dirt falls toward Earth, it rubs against air in the atmosphere, which makes it get really, really hot (like when you rub your hands together really fast). The super-hot dirt heats the air around it, causing the air to glow. This creates a bright streak in the night sky called a meteor or “shooting star.”

Get Up Early

The meteor shower really gets going a few hours before sunrise on August 13. If you want to see the best show, set out your clothes and snacks the night before, go to bed early, and plan to be at your viewing spot at 4 a.m.

Watch the Weather

Although the peak of the shower is predicted to happen before dawn on August 13, a few days before or after will also give you plenty of shooting stars to wish upon. Watch the weather forecast, and plan to go out on a night that isn’t cloudy or rainy.

Bring a Buddy, a Blanket, and Bug Repellent

Meteor showers are more fun with friends. Spread out a blanket at your viewing spot so you don’t have to strain your neck to watch the show. To keep mosquitoes at bay, spray your clothes with bug repellent.

Find a Dark Location

The darker it is, the more meteors you’ll see. So get away from the bright lights of the city and go somewhere that offers a wide-open view of the night sky. Farm fields, a lonely stretch of gravel road, or a secluded campsite are all good spots.

Let Your Eyes Adjust

It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. Once you reach your viewing spot, turn off car lights, cellphones, and flashlights.

Know Where to Look

Although meteors will fall across much of the sky during the peak of the shower, you’ll see more if you look northeast between the constellations of Cassiopeia and Perseus. Cassiopeia looks like a giant “W,” and Perseus looks like a stick figure your baby brother might draw. You can print off a star chart or download a phone app to help you find these constellations.

Try Again

If you miss the Perseid shower, don’t worry! The Leonid meteor shower peaks on November 17, and the Geminid meteor shower peaks on December 13. You’ll just need to bundle up in warmer clothes to watch them!