Here Are The Best Times And Places To Watch The Perseid Meteor Shower In Delaware

Delawareans are lucky enough to live in a state where the rural back roads still show off stunning night skies. While there's plenty of light pollution thanks to nearby cities, it's not too hard to find a dark spot in the First State where you can find and appreciate constellations, the Milky Way, and even - if conditions are right - an incredible meteor shower. Mark your calendar for August 12-13, when the Perseid meteor shower comes to town.

Every summer, stargazers count down the days until the Perseid meteors rain down towards earth. The brightest and most reliable meteor shower typically peaks in early August.

This year, the most famous meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere will peak on the night between August 12-13, and Delaware has a front row seat to see the action!

In the past, the meteors have put on an impressive show in the darkest corners of Delaware. Unfortunately, the full moon on August 15th means that this year, the shower is best for night owls!

Since the moon sets around 3:30 a.m., the best viewing will be in the dark pre-dawn hours. You can find dark skies in the Brandywine Valley, or in rural Kent and Sussex County.

Of course, the beaches are some of the best places to catch the showers. Grab a lawn chair and head out on a late night adventure. Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach tend to have the darkest beach skies.

Between 3-5 a.m., you may see as many as 50 meteors streaking across the sky! This legendary nightime show is sure to be one you remember.

If you'd rather not stay out so late to watch the stars, consider joining Brandywine Creek State Park on their Starry Night, Full Moon, or Owl Prowl hikes after dark throughout the rest of the summer and into fall.