This Is The Absolute Best Place To Witness This Summer’s Perseid Meteor Shower In Missouri

Stargazing in Missouri is easy, whether we stare at the starry sky in our backyard or make our way to a nearby park. Summer’s an ideal time for stargazing and for catching the annual Perseid meteor shower. If you’ve never witnessed this celestial event, plan a visit to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, the perfect place for witnessing the Perseids and stargazing in Miami, Missouri.

Considered the most popular meteor shower of the year, the Perseids will be active from July 14 through September 1, 2023. The annual meteor shower originates near the Perseus constellation, thus earning it the moniker Perseids.

While the meteor shower lasts for nearly a month and a half, it is expected to peak overnight August 12-13.

Expect to see an estimated 90 to 100 meteors, including trails of “dust” that lag behind, an hour on the peak evening. However, to maximize your chances of seeing so many meteors streak across the sky, you’ll need to find an area that’s as free of light pollution as possible.

Make your way to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park in Miami, for example, to catch the meteor showers, which tend to be the strongest during the overnight hours, beginning around midnight.

Because of its remoteness, the Missouri state park is perfect for stargazing.

The Missouri state park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, but campsites are available, so you won’t miss the celestial show. Your best bet is to find a quiet spot in the campground that’s as free of light as possible.

Once you’ve found your spot for stargazing, give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It usually takes between half an hour to an hour. After your eyes adjust, you should start seeing meteors dart across the sky.

Plan your visit to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park on the Missouri State Parks website.

Have you been to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, a popular state park for stargazing in Miami, Missouri? Will you venture there to see the Perseid meteor shower? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that there’s another park in Missouri that’s perfect for stargazing too? Plan a visit to Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance.