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The Perseids have been observed for at least 2,000 years and are associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun once every 133 years. The meteor shower tonight is the fullest, and most spectacular of all observed around the world each year. It peaks on tonight and into the early morning of Saturday, Aug 13. To celebrate, NASA invites you to join them in an all night chat with NASA astronomer Bill Cooke and his team from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. They will be answering your questions about the Perseids on Friday, Aug. 12 at 11 p.m. EDT — 03:00 UTC GMT.
Where to watch the Perseid meteor shower 2011
Basically anywhere in the Northern hemisphere, provided that you have good weather and clear skies. Remember that the the meteor shower peaks August 12th & 13th, during the European night and morning (01.00 – 13.00 GMT). Just head out to the countryside where the stars and meteors will be at their brightest.
If you cannot see the Perseids outside, for any reason, NASA will feature a live video/audio feed of the Perseid shower, embedded on this page.
UK and Ireland: some of the best star gazing spots include Echo Mount Knole, Kent; Godolphin Hill Godolphin, Cornwall; Friar’s Crag, Lake District, Cumbria; Divis Mountain, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Headley Heath; Near Boxhill, Surrey. You can find more suggestions at the UK National Trust.
Below, a few star gazing suggestions for the night of the Perseids in the US.
In California, Landers near Joshua Tree, the Mojave Desert Land Trust has the Perseid Meteor Shower Star Party at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Integraton, with live music by Clive Wright, snacks and refreshments included.
A Perseid Meteor Shower Campout is being held at the Lake Tahoe High Camp. Professional stargazers will be on site with high powered telescopes, binoculars and specialized guidance for viewing of colorful fireballs, outbursts and streaking meteors.
In Cherokee, the Sanford Museum will be hosting its annual Perseid Meteor Shower Party on Saturday, August 13, at 9 p.m.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park will host its fifth Perseid Meteor Shower Party on Friday night, from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The Turtle Bay Museum in Redding has a special program from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. which will provide information on how meteor showers form, how constellations got their names and other legends of the night sky.
The Brazos Bend State Park is hosting a Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party on Saturday, August 13. Brazos Bend State Park’s dark skies will make it one of the best places around Houston to view the meteors.
Camp Harkness of Waterford is hosting a Singles Summer Picnic. Aside meeting that special someone, this is also a good opportunity to scrutinize the stars.