The skies over Cape Hatteras National Seashore are the perfect backdrop for the weekend’s meteor shower!
The Perseids have been observed by humans for about 2000 years and is one of the most spectacular meteor showers to observe, producing upwards of 80 meteors per hour during the peak viewing dates, which just happen to be August 11, 12, and 13.
The Perseids is an annual meteor which is active from July 23 through August 22, with the peak viewing dates of August 11, 12 and 13 from 11pm to 4:30am. The waning crescent moon occuring on August 12 is nearly ideal for observing the Perseids due to the lack of moonlight, which would normally conceal less bright meteors.
For the most ideal viewing, be sure to find an unobstructed location free of lights, get comfortable (patience is involved in the viewing of a meteor shower), and gaze approximately half way up into the sky facing northeast.
Sit back and enjoy the show! Happy gazing!