Posted in Washington August 05, 2018 by

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

We don’t mean to brag (OK, maybe a little), but we’ve had front row seats to some incredible meteor showers here in Washington. And we’re about to get lucky once again, as the best summertime meteor shower, the Perseids, is about to hit the Washington skies (weather permitting, of course).

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Perseids are prolific meteor showers named for the point from which they appear to originate, the constellation Perseus.
Paul Williams / Flickr
Perseids are typically visible once a year, usually beginning in late July or early August.
This year, the Perseids will peak on the nights of August 11-12 and August 12-13.
Rocky Raybell / Flickr
Experts say best views will come just before dawn on the 13th, so be prepared to stay up late.
Here's the best news: The moon won't interfere with visibility this year.
Rocky Raybell / Flickr
We'll see a crescent moon in the sky, which means visibility will begin just after midnight.
The average Perseid meteor shower produced 80-100 meteors per hour.
John Getchel / Flickr
And you can enjoy them all on a warm summer night, which makes it even more pleasant.
You'll be able to see the meteor shower all over Washington. But of course, you'll want to be far away from city lights for the brightest display.
Michael Matti / Flickr
Chinook Pass, Mt. Rainier, and anywhere in Olympic National Park are all great places to view.

Will you be able to see some of this amazing meteor shower? If not, you can always do some good old-fashioned stargazing before the summer is over.