I’d tell you a joke about meteor showers, but it’s too out of this world!
All puns aside, Michiganders may be able to see hundreds of meteors from now through the end of August because the annual Perseid meteor shower is lighting up the sky.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
“The Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August, is considered the best meteor shower of the year,” wrote NASA. “They occur with warm summer nighttime weather allowing sky watchers to comfortably view them.”
Perseids come from the debris of comet Swift-Tuttle. Comets leave debris trails when they travel around the sun.
Earth passes through these trails each year, creating the “shooting stars” we see.
Perseids are also known for their fireballs. Fireballs are explosions of light and color that can last longer than an average meteor.
When is Perseids happening?
The shower has been occurring since mid-July and will last through August.
According to NASA, the peak is expected to be on the night of Aug. 11 through the morning of Aug. 12. Strong showers are also expected the days before and after.
NASA says that on most nights, only a few meteors will be visible each hour. During the Perseids peak, up to 200 meteors could be visible each hour.
Where is the best place to watch the meteor shower?
The best place to view Perseids is the darkest location you can get to. The darker sky means there will be less light pollution, meaning you’ll see more meteors!
In Michigan, this could mean leaving Metro Detroit and heading up north or to the Upper Peninsula to maximize viewing opportunities.
Four internationally designated dark parks in Michigan can maximize your experience: Beaver Island, Dr. T.L. Lawless County Park, Headlands Park, and Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
There are also six Michigan State Parks that are home to protected dark sky preserves.
These are Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, and Wilderness State Park.
How to prepare for Perseids:
- Head to a dark area.
- Check the weather forecast for clouds, fog, and temperature.
- Bring clothes and blankets to stay warm during the middle of the night.
- A telescope is not necessary! You can see the shower with just your eyes.
- Look up and watch the whole sky.
- Bring your friends and family for a full viewing experience. To learn more about the Perseid meteor shower, visit NASA’s website.
Other major meteor showers happening this year:
- October 21–22: Orionids
- November 4–5: Taurids
- November 16–17: Leonids
- December 12–13: Geminids
- December 22–23: Ursids