Quick, Make a Wish!
This weekend is supposed to be the peak time to the Perseid meteor shower in Texas. And what better place could you be than in Big Bend and the surrounding area? The mornings of August 12 and 13, just before dawn, are going to be the highlights of this light show, so don’t miss it!
What is Perseids?
Perseids is the name of one of the best meteor showers you can see in the northern hemisphere. It is associated with the comet called Swift-Tuttle, and it gets its name because the meteors come from the general area of the constellation Perseus.
Each year, in the beginning of August, debris from the particle cloud that stretches along Swift-Tuttle’s orbit falls into Earth’s atmosphere, causing the shower.
When Should You Watch?
While the Perseids have been continuing since mid July, and will continue until about August 24, this weekend (August 12 and 13) will be the peak time to see them.
As usual, the best time to go meteor watching is in the early morning before dawn. This is because the earth is spinning as it travels around the sun, and the area that’s just about to face the sun (starting at dawn) sort of collides with more of the shower, giving you more shooting stars than any other time of night.
Where Should You Watch?
Obviously, you’ll want to be away from any city lights, if possible. Even the brightest shooting stars may escape your view in a city or town. Generally, if you can make out all the stars of the Little Dipper, then you’ll be able to see most of the shower.
Getting away from civilization will be especially important because the moon is full and bright right now, meaning that it’ll outshine many shooting stars as it is.
A great place to watch the shower would be far into the country. Big Bend is an excellent option, as many campers will no doubt be enjoying the view this weekend. Why not join them?
Thinking of going to Big Bend this week? Why not check out the Summer Discounts? You’re wallet will thank you!