Posted in Iowa Nature June 23, 2018 by

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

Every summer, Iowans mark their calendars for the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and start to plan their overnight lookouts. However, since most of us live in urban areas, we’re missing out on the true show. This August, make a plan to head out to the darkest spots in Iowa to see this impressive meteor shower put on a show for you!

The Perseid Meteor shower is named after the constellation where it originates - Perseus!
Wikimedia Commons
The constellation itself is named for the Greek mythological hero, Perseus. Perseus was the founder of Mycenae He beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and saved Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus.
Today, Persus is best known for being the location of the Northern Hemisphere's best meteor shower! Every August, Iowa has a front-row seat to some of the most visible meteors as they fall across the sky.
Flickr / Brian Abeling
Iowa's dark skies make the state a perfect spot for viewing! Plan your trip by choosing a remote spot far from light pollution.
Flickr / Brian Abeling
You can check the Dark Sky Finder to find the best viewing spots.
Southern Iowa has the darkest skies, but you can easily find a great spot to watch in any rural part of the state.
Flickr / Rich
The Perseid Meteor Shower in Iowa will peak this year between August 12-13th.
Flickr / Daniel Samuelson
You'll be able to spot some meteors any night from July 17 and August 24, but the peak night will have the most impressive show. Be ready to pull an all nighter, because you won't want to miss these.

Have you decided on a dark sky spot to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Iowa this year? Tell us your go-to place to see the stars in the comments below!