Posted in Louisiana Events August 01, 2020 by

Bright Meteors Will Streak Across The Louisiana Sky In The Beloved Annual Perseid Meteor Shower In August

Summer nights were meant for stargazing, and we’re just in the beginning stages of meteor season. July may have stolen the spotlight with the comet NEOWISE shooting through the skies for the first time in almost 7,000 years, but that’s just the beginning. In just a few weeks, one of the most popular meteor showers in the world returns to light up the sky with hundreds of meteors – all you’ll need to do is look up!

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most popular meteor showers in the world.
Dneutral Han/Getty Images
Not only can it be seen from practically anywhere in the world, but it’s favored by many sky gazers because it’s one of the biggest and brightest meteor showers of the year. So you’ll see bigger and brighter meteors than with any other shower.
The shower will last until the end of August, but it’ll peak on during the early morning of August 11, 12, and 13, when you might be able to see anywhere from 40-50 meteors per hour.
MK Feeney/Flickr
The meteors can be seen from July 17 until August 24, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch a meteor or two streaking across the sky.
While that sounds like a lot, it’s actually much less than in years past, and we can thank the moon for that.
Cylonphoto/Getty Images
It’s not the best, and but it’s not the worst, either. The moon will be in the last quarter phase, so you’ll have some moonlight, but it’s not a full moon, so that’s good news!
To get the best views of the meteors, you’ll want to drive out to a dark place with an open view of the sky.
NASA/Wikimedia
The further away from the city you are, the less light pollution you’ll have to deal with. Considering you’ll also be competing with the moon for light, you’ll want to make sure you can get to a dark place free of trees or anything else that would block your view. Give your eyes about 20 minutes to get adjusted to the sky, and just wait!
The meteors can be seen throughout the sky, but they'll be originating from the constellation Perseus.
Johan Larsson/Flickr
There are several constellation apps you can download on your phone to help you find the constellation, but if you stare at the sky long enough, you'll see something shoot across the sky!
And as an added bonus, you might just catch another meteor shower at the same time!
Artfoliophoto/Getty Images
The Delta Aquariid meteor shower will be active from July 12 - August 23, so with two meteor showers going on simultaneously, you’re bound to see a few meteors in the sky.
Pack a blanket and maybe some bug spray, because you’re not going to want to miss the Perseid meteor shower.
Kevin Key / Slworking/Getty Images
The whole family will enjoy this nighttime event.

Do you have fond memories of watching the Perseid meteor shower? Where’s your favorite spot to view them? Share it with us in the comments below!

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