Watching the Perseid meteor shower
The Perseid meteor shower is the must-see stargazing event of the summer. It occurs when Earth crosses into the orbital path of Comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in brilliant bursts of meteors hitting the upper atmosphere and becoming “shooting stars.” You don’t need a telescope to enjoy seeing meteors during this annual astronomical event, but there are a few things you’ll want for an optimal viewing experience of the Perseids.
When is the Perseid meteor shower 2021?
This year, the Perseid meteor shower will occur July 17 through August 24, with the most meteors anticipated at the shower’s peak in the early morning hours of August 11 through 13, — the best viewing hours are generally after 11pm local time. Since the moon will be in waxing crescent phase on the peak viewing dates, moonlight will be minimal and you should be able to see plenty of shooting stars.
Where to watch the Perseid meteor shower
The Perseids can be seen all over the world, though visibility is best in the Northern Hemisphere. Find a nearby location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, if possible, and face away from areas of light pollution. Local museums or astronomy organizations may host viewing parties at an expert-approved stargazing spot.
How to watch the Perseids
Unlike some astronomical events, you won’t need to worry about locating a specific point in the sky. The Perseid meteor shower gets its name from its radiant point – the place from which the meteors appear to fly – in the constellation Perseus, but meteors will be visible all over the sky. Simply lie down and look straight up at the sky and you’re all but guaranteed to see shooting stars. Give yourself at least half an hour for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark and avoid looking at your phone while you’re stargazing: the bright screen can disrupt your neighbors and affect your night vision.
What you need to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower
Perseid meteors produce the brightest shooting stars of all the annual meteor showers, so they’re easy to see with the naked eye – no heavy telescope required. There are a few items, however, that will make your viewing experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Outdoor Blanket
Stargazing can be as simple as laying a blanket out and lying down on it. A sturdy, waterproof camping blanket can keep you clean and dry, while a cozier blanket can keep you warm – and keep bugs away – through the night.
MIU COLOR Large Waterproof Outdoor Picnic Blanket: available at Amazon
Spread out this waterproof and sand-proof blanket to create a large space to lie down. It folds up neatly into the attached carrying case when the show is over.
BEARZ Outdoor Pocket Blanket: available at Amazon
For a highly portable outdoor blanket, look no further than this thin, waterproof model, which packs down into a bag the size of a fist and spreads out to 55 by 60 inches.
Puredown Packable Down Throw Blanket: available at Amazon
Even the hottest summer days can be followed by chilly nights. Keep warm during your stargazing session with this soft, down-filled blanket.
Reclining Camping Chair
If lying on the ground for hours doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun night, try watching the Perseids from the comfort of a reclining camping chair. Some models keep your drinks and belongings close at hand and offer padded seats.
Nemo Stargazing Luxury Recliner Camp Chair: available at Amazon and Backcountry
This chair behaves like a tiny hammock, converting into a fully reclining position while still offering a cup holder, storage pocket and an adjustable pillow.
Phi Villa Oversize Padded Lounge Chair: available at Amazon
With its detachable pillow, locking reclining option and padded seat, this chair offers impressive comfort and an optimum stargazing angle.
Oniva Reclining Camping chair: available at Amazon
This comfy, padded chair manually converts into a reclining position. It offers features like a zippered pocket and an insulated cup holder.
Insulated Tumbler
Stay warm and hydrated – and, if you’re a coffee drinker, awake – by bringing a drink in an insulated tumbler to your Perseid viewing party.
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug: available at Amazon
Constructed of stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, this compact tumbler comes in two sizes and has a spill-proof lid.
Yeti Rambler Vacuum Insulated Tumbler: available at Amazon, Backcountry and Dick's Sporting Goods
This practically indestructible tumbler can keep your drink warm for up to six hours. Bonus: it’s dishwasher-safe.
IRONFLASK Classic Tumbler: available at Amazon
For a distinctive tumbler, pick from one of the 26 available color choices this model offers. It even comes with cleaning supplies for simplified hand-washing.
Bug repellent
Spending time outside on a summer evening often means coexisting with mosquitoes and other insects. Protect yourself and your loved ones from itchy bites and potential viruses with insect repellent.
Cutter Family Mosquito Wipes: available at Amazon
These affordable, convenient wipes can be used by everyone, including children as young as 2 months old. The wipes have a mild odor and leave no greasy or oily residue.
Ranger Ready Picaridin 20% Tick and Insect Repellent: available at Amazon
This spray repellent is DEET-free, unscented and protects against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks and biting flies. The spray nozzle is easy to use and delivers lasting protection whether sprayed on skin or clothing.
Flashlight or headlamp
Find your way to and from your stargazing site with a sturdy, multipurpose flashlight or headlamp. If you’re going to be watching the Perseid shower among a large group, it’s good etiquette to have a flashlight with a red beam, or you can attach red cellophane over a normal flashlight, to avoid hurting anyone’s eyes after their vision has adjusted to the dark.
PETZL ACTIK CORE Headlamp: available at Amazon and Backcountry
Keep your hands free and protect the stargazing experience of the people around you with this long-lasting, rechargeable LED headlamp. Its red beam function can illuminate up to 5 meters ahead of you.
Fenix E03R Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight: available at Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods
You won’t need to worry about forgetting your flashlight if it’s attached to your keys. This small but mighty LED keychain has a red beam and recharges with the included USB-C cable.
Eveready Compact LED Flashlight: available at Amazon
Petite and affordably priced, this pocket-sized flashlight boasts a durable metal body, a bright beam and even a handy wrist strap to ensure it doesn’t get lost.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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