The Perseid meteor shower will streak across the sky this summer, offering one of the year’s most anticipated celestial events. Visible from mid-July to late August, the shower already attracts crowds to national parks and dark sky reserves across North America. With up to 100 meteors per hour and early viewing conditions enhanced by a last-quarter moon, it’s no wonder stargazers are flocking to parks for the Perseids.
In many areas, the best shows happen after midnight. This is often when viewing conditions are clearest and meteors arrive in dramatic clusters, making it a prime time to catch the Perseids in full display. Here’s where to go, what to bring and how to make the most of nature’s most brilliant night show.
What are the Perseids?
The Perseids originate from debris left behind by comet 109P or Swift-Tuttle, which completes its orbit around the Sun every 133 years. Every year in August, Earth passes through this debris trail, causing the fragments to enter our atmosphere and burn up, producing the iconic streaks of light we see as meteors.
These meteors travel at around 37 miles per second, and this incredible speed is what makes them look so striking as they burn through Earth’s atmosphere. This makes the Perseids a favorite among both casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.
When to watch in 2025
The 2025 Perseid meteor shower is visible from July 17 to late August. Its early activity coincides with a last-quarter moon, creating darker skies that are especially favorable for catching early meteors. In North America, viewing typically begins around 10 p.m. and lasts through the pre-dawn hours, with the best displays often appearing well after midnight.
The shower is predicted to reach its peak on the night of Aug. 12, continuing until just before dawn on Aug. 13. However, visibility then won’t align with peak activity due to the full Sturgeon Moon rising in Aquarius on Aug. 9. The bright moonlight will limit visibility during the height of the shower, making only the brightest meteors visible. This is why many stargazers are aiming for darker, earlier nights instead.
Where to watch the Perseids
The Perseid meteor shower is visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and the United States offers many prime viewing spots with clear skies and minimal light pollution. National parks, designated dark sky reserves and rural recreation areas are typically the best locations for stargazing.
One prime example is Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, which has one of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. Its remote location in the Susquehannock State Forest makes it ideal for watching the Perseids.
Another standout destination for meteor viewing is Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, with towering rock formations and incredibly dark skies. Bryce Canyon hosts regular astronomy programs and offers elevated viewpoints perfect for late-night meteor watching. Its high elevation and dry air contribute to consistently clear viewing conditions, making it a reliable choice for catching the Perseids.
Rounding out the list, Great Basin National Park in Nevada is another great option, especially for those in the western U.S. The park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park and is known for its high altitude, dry air and clear skies. With ranger-led astronomy programs and a deep commitment to night sky preservation, it’s an excellent location for stargazers.
What to expect during the shower
The Perseid meteor shower doesn’t need to be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it event. But this requires hours of settling in and waiting under the stars. You’ll need comfort, patience and preparation so that you can focus on the show. Here’s how to make the wait worthwhile:
Warm layers or blankets
Even in the thick of summer, nighttime temperatures can drop sharply once you’re away from city heat. A blanket, warm layers or even a sleeping bag can help fend off the early morning chill that often settles in when meteor activity peaks. Staying warm lets you enjoy the full show without constantly shifting or cutting the night short, making preparation key for a more comfortable skywatching experience.
A reclining chair or sleeping pad
Meteor showers aren’t brief events. You could be outside for hours, watching and waiting for the next meteor to appear. A reclining chair or sleeping pad helps you stay comfortable by supporting your neck and back while you gaze at the sky. With the right setup, you can settle in, lie back and truly enjoy the night without getting stiff or tired.
Water and snacks
Staying hydrated is just as important at night as it is during the day, especially if you’re hiking to a viewing spot or spending hours outside. Water and easy-to-carry snacks can keep your energy up as the night wears on. Choose items that clean up easily, such as fruit, trail mix or sandwiches, so you can stay nourished without needing extra gear.
A flashlight with red light
Once they’ve adjusted to the dark, your eyes can take up to 20 minutes to recover after suddenly looking at a bright light. That’s why a flashlight with a red light option is a smart tool to bring as it lets you move around, check your gear and walk the trail without ruining your vision at night. Many headlamps now include a red-light mode for hands-free tasks while you’re in the dark.
A star map to help locate Perseus
Knowing where to find the Perseus constellation helps you spot the general region that most meteors seemingly come from. While they can streak anywhere in the sky, the meteors often appear to originate from this spot, especially during peak hours. Popular apps like SkySafari and Stellarium allow you to locate constellations in real time by simply pointing your phone at the sky.
Skywatching season is far from over
This summer, the Perseid Meteor Shower reminds us to look up and take a breath under the vast night sky. Stargazing and meteor watching reveal the magic of quieter, darker nights. Whether you’re new to meteor showers or a seasoned stargazer, the Perseids offer a timeless excuse to unplug and reconnect with the cosmos or with loved ones.
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Food Drink Life. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.
The post Stargazers are flocking to parks for the Perseids. Here’s what you need to know before you go appeared first on Food Drink Life.
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