Still a Chance to Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower - Here's When and How
Have you missed the peak of the Perseids meteor shower? No worries, you still have time to witness this natural spectacle. The best spots to watch this are in rural areas where the sky is dark and away from city lights.
For those in Ohio, places like Geauga Observatory Park and Fry Family Park have been designated as dark sky parks which offer optimal viewing conditions.
Best Time to Watch the Meteor Shower
The prime time to watch the meteor shower is after midnight and before dawn. However, you can start as early as 10 p.m. ET.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most stunning celestial events of the year, offering a show of bright meteors swiftly streaking through the sky and exploding fireballs. Although the peak of the event clashed with the bright moon this year, you can still catch the display.
How the Moon Affects Visibility
The waning gibbous moon, which appears just a few days after a full moon, somewhat hampered the peak period of the Perseids. As a result, it was predicted that visible activity would be cut down by at least 75%, making only the brightest meteors visible. The number of "shooting stars" visible was around 10 to 20 per hour instead of the typical 50 to 100.
Weather conditions can also affect visibility. However, the show isn't over yet, there's still time to catch the spectacle.
Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most picturesque in the Northern Hemisphere, peaked on two consecutive nights but will continue to be visible until the end of the month.
For the best viewing experience, head outdoors as early as 10 p.m. ET. Rural areas usually offer the best views, with a chance to see between 50 and 75 meteors per hour. For the best view, look towards the northeast and the constellation Perseus.
Weather Forecast for Perseid Meteor Shower in Ohio
Ohio weather forecast looks promising for meteor spotting, especially in Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
In the Akron region, clear skies are expected which should offer a good chance of spotting meteors. Meanwhile, the Columbus area will have mostly clear skies, with a 30% chance of rain followed by clear skies the following night. In Cincinnati, mostly clear skies are forecasted for the majority of the nights.
Best Places in Ohio to Watch the Perseid Meteor Showers
If you're wondering where to go in Ohio to get the best view of the Perseid meteor showers, there are a few top spots. The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP), an organization that identifies areas around the world that preserve dark skies, has recommended two locations in Ohio:
- Geauga Observatory Park: This park in Montville Township in Geauga County is centered around the Nassau Observatory, which moved from Cleveland to Geauga County in 1957 due to light pollution.
- Fry Family Park: Located in Magnolia, about 10 miles south of Canton, this park also offers a good view of the night sky despite its proximity to a city.
The Origin of the Perseids
The Perseid meteor shower originates from the Comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered by American astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle in 1862. The Perseid meteor shower occurs when debris from this comet interacts with our atmosphere.
The Most Spectacular Meteor Showers
The Perseid and Geminid meteor showers are generally considered the most active and most beautiful. The Perseids are easier to watch on warm August nights, as opposed to the Geminids, which occur on cold December days.
Tips for Watching the Meteor Shower
Here are some tips to help you get the best views of the meteor shower:
- Location matters: Find a spot away from city lights, locate the radiant in the sky and get comfortable.
- Avoid lights: Your eyes will need about 15 to 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
- Be prepared: Bring blankets or a camping chair to make your viewing more comfortable.