August hosts Perseid, the best meteor shower of the year

More prominent in the Northern Hemisphere (and somewhat visible in the Southern), the Perseid meteor shower climaxes on August 11-13 and delivers more fireballs than the other annual showers. On those days (and the week before), be sure to look toward the constellation Perseus from 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for the best glimpse of this dazzling event -- with conditions more favorable after midnight and peaking before sunrise.

During the event, NASA predicts that as many as 100 meteors per hour could be visible in darkened conditions. For best effect, those wanting to see Perseids should try and get away from bright city lights and look about half way into the northeast section of the nighttime sky.

August hosts Perseid, the best meteor shower of the year | Crave - CNET

Always one of my favorites. Never miss em! (weather permitting of course)

Yeah, weather permitting. It doesn't look to good for viewing here, according to the forecast. Hopefully the weather clears & we get at least one good night out of the 3.

It gets buried because of the wait for Comet ISON, but I posted a little about the Persieds here: A Possible Naked-eye Comet in March, A Better One in December | Post #46

This chart will help in determining what your clear sky condition possibilities might be: Clear Sky Chart Homepage, You can enter your co-ordinates or find a city near you. Unfortunately it is mainly for the North American continent.

For other areas of the world you would have to use what you currently use to forecast clear skies.

I found three that don't look too bad:
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/satellite

Germany Enhanced Weather Satellite Map - AccuWeather.com

World Weather - Browse for your location - AccuWeather

The 10th and 11th is forecast "mostly clear" for me. I saw a total of 7 streaks last year on one clear night toward the end of the peak time.

Will it be visible without the aid of binoculars?

Frank1 said:

Will it be visible without the aid of binoculars?

Definitely. It will be streaks of light in the north northeast sky. Get away from city light if possible.

I live in the city with large trees blocking your view and a lot of lights. But our daughter lives out in the country only about 8 or 9 miles from where we live. I'll go out there. Assuming the skies are clear what so you think would be the best night for northern Ohio?

Depending on the cloud cover in your area it will be visible without the aid of binoculars. Actually it is better if you do not use binoculars as they will limit you field of view, you want to see as much of the night sky as possible. Try for the darkest location in your area without obstructions like trees or buildings. The use of a reclining lawn chair can be very helpful to reduce neck strain, and wait at least 30" to let your eyes acclimate to the dark.

Source

You can start watching for them as soon as it gets dark, but the best viewing would be on the nights of August 12th and 13th between the hours of 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM local time. Before midnight the meteor rate will start out low, then increase as the night wears on, peaking before sunrise when the constellation Perseus is high in the sky. For every fireball that streaks out of Perseus, there will be dozens more ordinary meteors.

Where to look if your in the Northeast U.S. this is at 2am EDT Sunday night into Monday Morning.


If you've known Cassiopeia to be the "W" in the Northeast sky look slightly below her and to the right towards Perseus.

More:
North American Meteor Network's Guide to Meteor Showers and Their Observation

Here Come the Perseids! - Meteors - SkyandTelescope.com

Where's the radiant point for the Perseid meteor shower? | Tonight | EarthSky

NASA Chat: Stay 'Up All Night' to Watch the Perseids! | NASA Live Feed

Frank1 said:

I live in the city with large trees blocking your view and a lot of lights. But our daughter lives out in the country only about 8 or 9 miles from where we live. I'll go out there. Assuming the skies are clear what so you think would be the best night for northern Ohio?

The Perseids run from July 13 through August 26 each year, but the astronomers that watch these things will usually call the nights of August 11, 12, and 13th as the best nights for viewing.

If it was me and I was on good terms with my daughter, son-in-law? I'd stay with them all weekend and have a Meteor party! Kick in for food, drinks, and what a night out with Grandpa and the kids!