Posted in Arkansas Nature July 14, 2018 by

There’s An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Arkansas Has A Front Row Seat

This year’s Perseid meteor shower just became active this week. The peak weekend for the shower will be August 11th-13th, 2018 which gives plenty of time for Arkansans to start planning their open sky camping trips for an incredible star show this month. Make a wish as we see which places are throwing star parties and where some of best meteor shower-viewing campsites are in the state.

The annual Perseid Meteor Shower just kicked off this week.
Flickr/Lee
The yearly shower is a favorite for Arkansans since the meteors can be viewed for a month.
The meteor shower has long been celebrated for more than 2,000 years.
Flickr/NASA's Marshall Flight Center
Perseids' meteors come from the Swift-Tuttle Comet. Observations of this comet date back as early as 69 BC but was officially discovered in 1862.
The peak viewing days will be August 11th-13th this year.
Flickr/Ryan Hallock
The peak viewing time is estimated to have 50-75 shooting stars every hour. The origin of the meteors will be from the northeast.
During the peak in August, stargazers will be fortunate to have a clear sky.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
The peak coincides with a slender, waxing crescent moon so the meteors should be easy to spot.
The best time to look for the meteors will be after midnight just until dawn.
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
One of the best things about this particular meteor shower is that no special equipment is needed for viewing. You just need an open Arkansas sky and a pair of eyes. And maybe a cozy blanket, too.
Many state parks will be hosting star parties throughout the month, like DeGray Lake Resort's Perseids Meteor Shower Palooza.
Facebook/DeGray Lake Resort State Park
DeGray Lake Resort State Park's Palooza lasts from August 9th through 13th. The park will host a variety of evening cruises and excursions to catch sight of the shooting stars. Other state parks like Withrow Springs, Mount Magazine, and Pinnacle Mountain will also be hosting shower-related events.
For the next month, camping will be a must.
Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center
Spots high in the mountains like Pinnacle and Magazine are fantastic choices but along the Buffalo River is a good option, too.
No matter where you're at in Arkansas, it wouldn't hurt to look up to try to spot a meteor or two.
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Chris Rogers
The peak may not be for a while but it's not too early to catch a glimpse of these dazzling shooting stars.

Visit the Arkansas State Park’s website to view all of the upcoming star events or to plan an upcoming camping trip.

We would love to see your night sky and meteor shower shots in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured (like Chris Rogers today) and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Here are some other fantastic camping spots around the state.