There's An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Texas Has A Front Row Seat
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 06, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Texas is home to some of the nation’s darkest skies, and next week, residents will have a front-row seat to a spectacular celestial event. Known as the Perseid Meteor Shower, this yearly spectacle will peak on the night of August 11 into the morning of August 12. Here’s more on this unparalleled stargazing opportunity and the best place to watch it all:
Several meteor showers take place throughout the year, but scientists look forward to the annual Perseid more than anything else. During this spectacle, viewers can anticipate seeing up to 100 shooting stars per hour - provided they're away from light pollution, of course.
NASA expects the shower to peak around August 12 or 13. It won't be as spectacular this year due to an intense lunar glare, but we should still be able to enjoy a decent view.
Isolated places like Big Bend are your best bet for a clear field of vision, especially in light of the expected interference. We're not saying you should trek all the way out to West Texas, but try and get to the nearest possible remote location.
Laying down on a blanket and staring up at the sky allows for the highest quality viewing experience. Your peripheral vision will pick up meteors on either edge of the horizon, ensuring not a single flare gets missed.
Between 2 a.m. and dawn is the best time to watch the spectacle. You'll want to either stay up late or wake up early on the nights of August 11 and 12.
If you must choose one night, experts suggest the 11th will be most promising. An hour of dark sky is expected to separate the moon setting and twilight, showcasing the shower in all its glory without a lunar glare.
All in all, this year's Perseid shower is still worth losing a little sleep over - even if it doesn't quite stack up to that of previous years. Don't forget to let us know where you'll be watching from!
