You might have to leave your city during The Perseid Meteor Shower this weekend, know what NASA says

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The Perseid meteor shower is almost here, offering a dazzling display of "shooting stars" for sky watchers. But you might have to leave your city to make the most of this celestial event, here's what you need to know.

When to Watch

• Viewing Period: July 14 to September 1
• Peak Night: Sunday, August 11 to Monday, August 12
• Optimal Viewing Time: Around 04:00 UTC (midnight EDT) on August 12
• Shower Zenith: Best observed during this time

For the best experience, get out of the city and head to a rural area with dark, clear skies. Urban light pollution can diminish your view, so aim for a location away from city lights. Use a Light Pollution Map or visit an International Dark Sky Park for the best spots. Rural camping or stargazing sites like Hipcamp’s listings are ideal for meteor watching.

Tips for Optimal Perseid Meteor Viewing

This year's Perseids will compete with a 53% waxing Moon. However, the Moon will set around midnight, right when the shower peaks. After the Moon sets, stay outside until dawn to catch the most meteors.

• Take breaks every 30 minutes to avoid eye strain
• Use red light to preserve night vision

You don’t need to focus on a specific direction. While Perseids appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northeast, you can look anywhere in the sky. Avoid using telescopes or binoculars, as they limit your field of view and can reduce the number of meteors you see.

How Many Meteors Can You Expect?

The number of meteors visible can vary. On a good night, you might see around 50 meteors per hour, though some years have produced bursts of up to 200 per hour. Peak rates of about 150 meteors per hour are possible if you have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

With solar activity at a high, there's a chance you could see both Perseids and the Northern Lights on the same night. Check NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center for the latest aurora forecasts to see if geomagnetic storms might create this spectacular double show.

NASA’s Tips for Viewing

• Escape city lights.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Find a local meteor shower event.
• Dress warmly and be prepared for the outdoors.
• Bring along friends and family for the experience.The Perseid meteor shower, caused by debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, is a highlight of the year’s astronomical calendar. Swift-Tuttle last passed by Earth in 1992 and will return in 2125, so make the most of this annual event while you can!