How to Observe the Perseid Meteor Shower in Southern California
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year and visible with the naked eye in Southern California, will peak between August 11 and 13 this year.
With its bright, fast meteors and high hourly rate, it’s a must-see for both amateur stargazers and seasoned astronomers. Here’s how to make the most of this annual astronomical light slow.
When to Watch
The Perseid meteor shower peaks between August 11 and 13, but meteors can be seen from late July through mid-August. For the best viewing experience, plan to observe after midnight when the radiant point in Perseus’s constellation is higher in the sky and the moon has set.
The diagram below from NASA shows where to look in the sky for the meteors:
Choosing Your Viewing Location
Southern California is home to a few notable International Dark Sky Parks, designated areas recognized for their exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting this natural resource.
To maximize your chances of seeing meteors, visit one of these parks or find other dark locations away from city lights. Southern California offers numerous excellent spots for stargazing; a few ideas are listed below.
The desert locations mentioned will be hot, perhaps dangerously so, during the day. Stay safe. Also, check areas before you go to ensure they aren’t impacted by wildfires.
Joshua Tree National Park
Known for its stunning desert landscapes and clear night skies, Joshua Tree is a popular spot for stargazing and has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
Death Valley National Park
Another Dark Sky Park, Death Valley is renowned for its incredibly dark skies and might be worth a meteor-watching trip. Due to its vast, remote desert landscape, it is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Daytime can be very, very hot.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in California and is known for its dark skies, making it a prime location for stargazing and astronomy events. Anza-Borrego is the last of the three official Dark Sky Parks listed here.
Amboy Crater
Located in the Mojave Desert, Amboy Crater is a volcanic cinder cone with minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for observing the night sky.
Mojave National Preserve
This vast preserve offers some of the darkest skies in Southern California. Mojave National Preserve’s remote location and expansive desert landscapes provide an excellent environment for stargazing and night sky photography.
Lockwood Valley
Situated in Ventura County, Lockwood Valley is a secluded area known for its clear, dark skies. Its remote location from urban light pollution makes it an excellent spot for stargazing and enjoying the night sky.
Mount Laguna
Located in the Cleveland National Forest, about an hour from downtown San Diego, Mount Laguna offers several excellent spots for stargazing due to its high elevation and clear, dark skies. The area is popular among astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts for its minimal light pollution and stunning night sky views.
Observatory Campground on Mount Palomar
Observatory Campground is located near the Palomar Observatory in the Cleveland National Forest. Due to its high elevation and dark skies, it offers campers excellent stargazing opportunities and hosts astronomy programs, making it a great destination for exploring the night sky.
Near Big Bear Lake
The Big Bear area offers several great stargazing spots, including Holcomb Valley, Rim of the World Drive, and the east end of the lake near the observatory. These locations provide clear views of the night sky away from city lights. Jeff over at Big Bear Insider has a post with more details on good spots.
What to Bring
- Comfortable Seating: A reclining lawn chair or a blanket will help you stay comfortable during your viewing session.
- Warm Clothing: Even in Southern California in summer, desert and mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night. Bring layers to stay warm.
- Snacks and Drinks: Keep yourself hydrated and energized with some snacks and a thermos of hot beverage.
- Red Flashlight: A flashlight with a red filter will help you navigate without disrupting your night vision.
Observation Tips
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to set up and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at bright lights, including your phone, as much as possible.
- Look Up and Relax: Lie back and gaze at the sky. The meteors can appear anywhere, though they will seem to originate from the constellation Perseus in the northeastern sky.
- Be Patient: Meteor showers are best enjoyed with a relaxed, patient attitude. Take in the beauty of the night sky and enjoy the experience.
Capturing the Moment
If you want to photograph the meteor shower, bring a camera with a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. Use a long exposure setting (20-30 seconds) to capture the meteors as they streak across the sky. Be sure to experiment with different settings to find what works best.
Additional Resources
- Planetarium Shows and Star Parties: Check local observatories and astronomy clubs for special events or public viewings. Many organizations host star parties where you can join fellow enthusiasts and learn more about the night sky. Here are a couple:
- Apps and Star Charts: Use a star chart or a stargazing app to help you locate the constellation Perseus and other celestial features.
About the Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular and popular meteor showers, occurs annually when Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle.
The Swift-Tuttle commit takes 133 years to orbit the Sun once, and last visited the inner solar system in 1992. The Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli realized in 1865 that the comet was the source of the Perseids meteor showers.
As the comet orbits the sun, it sheds tiny fragments of rock and ice. When Earth crosses this path each year, the debris enters our atmosphere at high speeds, burning up and creating bright streaks of light across the sky.
The Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, from which they appear to radiate. This meteor shower is most visible in the Northern Hemisphere between mid-July and late August, with its peak typically around August 12th.