Southern Californians willing to stay up late or rise before dawn will have an opportunity to view the annual Perseid meteor shower Wednesday night and early Thursday under what astronomers say should be ideal viewing conditions.
The Perseids are expected to peak overnight, with as many as 50 to 100 meteors per hour potentially visible under dark skies, according to NASA. The American Meteor Society estimates observers in rural areas could see about 30 to 50 meteors per hour.
Viewing conditions are expected to be especially favorable because the meteor shower coincides with a new moon, meaning moonlight will not interfere with visibility.
The Perseids occur each year as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Tiny particles from the comet burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, creating the bright streaks of light commonly known as shooting stars.
The meteor shower has been observed for more than 2,000 years and is considered one of the year’s most reliable and popular celestial events because of its frequent bright fireballs and its arrival during the warm summer months.
Astronomers recommend viewing the shower from a location away from city lights with an unobstructed view of the sky. The best viewing is expected between midnight and dawn, when the constellation Perseus is high in the northeastern sky. Meteors, however, may appear anywhere overhead.
Residents seeking darker skies can head to higher elevations in the San Gabriel Mountains, including Mount Wilson Observatory, Chilao Campground and Crystal Lake Recreation Area, or travel farther to Joshua Tree National Park or Red Rock Canyon State Park. Beach locations such as Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu may also offer good viewing away from city lights.
Skywatchers are encouraged to allow about 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness and to avoid looking at phones or other bright screens while observing.