The Perseid meteor shower, which NASA said is considered the "best meteor shower of the year," will reach its peak tonight, Aug. 12, and into the early morning of Aug. 13.
Tonight, the New York skies could fill with dozens of shooting stars across the Northern Hemisphere every hour.
Perseid's peak tonight will also coincide with a new moon, bringing darker skies and even better viewing conditions.
Here is what to know about the Perseid meteor shower peak tonight and how to watch it in New York.
What time is the Perseid meteor shower peak tonight in NY?
The Perseid meteor shower, which will be active through Aug. 24, will reach its peak activity overnight Aug. 12 into Aug. 13.
According to NASA, the best viewing time in the Northern Hemisphere is during the pre-dawn hours, but the meteor shower can sometimes
be seen as early as 10 p.m.
Tonight's prime viewing window to see the peak meteor activity is expected to start around midnight and improve throughout the night.
Why is tonight's Perseid meteor shower special?
The new moon tonight will make for exceptionally dark skies, which means there will be an even better chance of visibility.
In previous years, the moonlight has washed out some of the fainter meteors, which is why this year's new moon has brought about extra excitement surrounding the meteor shower.
The darker the skies, the more likely you are to see it fill with the lights of meteors.
How many Perseid meteors could be visible tonight?
According to NASA, the Perseids are one of the most "plentiful showers," bringing around 50 to 100 meteors seen in the sky per hour under ideal viewing conditions.
The Perseids are known for their fireballs, which produce larger explosions of light and color, remaining in the sky longer than an average meteor streak would.
Where should I watch the Perseid meteor shower tonight?
The best place to view the Perseids tonight would be in the darkest place possible, away from any city lights.
Light pollution can make the meteors harder to see, so experts suggest going to places like beaches, state parks, rural fields and other open areas with the least light possible.
For the best experience:
- Find a dark location away from city lights
- Allow time for your eyes time to adjust to the darkness
- Look toward the northeast sky and scan broadly
- Dress for the weather
Do you need a telescope to see the Perseids?
No, you will not need a telescope or binoculars to see the Perseids tonight.
Meteor showers are known to be best viewed with the naked eye.
What causes the Perseid meteor shower?
The annual meteor shower happens when Earth travels through the debris and dust from comet 109P/Swuft-Tuttle, according to NASA.
As we pass through the debris trail, the pieces collide with Earth's atmosphere and burn up, disintegrating into fiery and colorful streaks.
Contributing: USA TODAY
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight. Here's when to look up in New York
