NEW YORK – The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak tonight, giving stargazers in the Tri-State area what NASA calls “the most beautiful meteor shower of the year.”
While light pollution makes it difficult for New Yorkers to see the spectacular display, anyone willing to travel outside the city should have the opportunity to catch a glimpse.
When is the best time to watch the 2024 Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower occurs every summer, usually from mid-July to August. It is considered the most beautiful meteor shower of the year, with up to 100 meteors visible per hour.
The Perseids will reach their peak on the night of Sunday, August 11, into the early hours of Monday, August 12. The meteor shower should also be visible several nights before and after.
The best time to see a meteor shower is in the hours before dawn, roughly between midnight and 5 a.m. You don’t need binoculars or a telescope, just look up and north.
After the Perseids, the next meteor shower is the Orionids, whose peak is expected in October.
Where can you watch the Perseid meteor shower around NYC?
The Perseid meteor shower is expected to be visible over New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but the best viewing will be far away from city lights. It’s best to head to a wide, open area with no light pollution.
Long Island’s state parks will remain open late Monday through Tuesday for anyone who wants to see the show.
The following will be open for night viewing:
- Jones Beach State Park – West End 2 (west parking lot)
- Sunken Meadow State Park – Field 3
- Montauk Point State Park – Upper Parking Lot
- Wildwood State Park – Main Parking Lot
- Orient Beach State Park – Main Parking Lot
- Hallock State Park Nature Preserve
Admission is free and visitors do not need a permit to stargaze. Authorities recommend bringing bug spray and a deck chair.
As the Perseids reached their peak, the Connetquot River State Park Preserve also hosted a viewing party over the weekend.
Will it be visible? Weather forecast for the Perseid meteor shower
Conditions seem to be good, especially between midnight and dawn.
The best views are from northern and western points, where the mountains are clearly visible.
Stay with CBS New York’s First Alert Weather team for the latest weather forecasts.
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