Stargazing: Select parks open for annual Perseid meteor shower viewing
Though the skies may be bright from an 84% full moon, they could still be worth watching during the annual Perseid meteor shower’s peak, on the night of August 12 into the 13. Sunken Meadow State Park has opened up Field 3 for stargazers this year.
Sunken Meadow State Park (Field 3) is one of six park locations that will be open late to view the annual Perseid meteor shower this year. A stargazing permit is not needed to witness the event, active from July 17 until August 23, with a peak from August 12 to 13.
Locals can catch the Perseids Tuesday and Wednesday night at the following select parks without a permit:
Jones Beach State Park, West End 2, West Parking Lot
Sunken Meadow State Park, Field 3
Montauk Point State Park, Upper Parking Lot
Wildwood State Park, Field 1 Parking Lot
Orient Beach State Park, Main Parking Lot
Hallock State Park Preserve
The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, active annually from mid-July through late August when the Earth crosses paths with debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Meteors come from the comet’s leftover particles and bits from broken asteroids; the tiny comet fragments burn up in our atmosphere, flashing as “shooting stars.”
One of the most plentiful showers with about 50 to 100 meteors seen per hour, the Perseids are famous for their bright, swift streaks, colorful trails and occasional fireballs. Fireballs are larger and brighter explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak; this year, with the moon at around 84% full during the peak, skywatchers might expect between 10 to 20 meteors per hour, according to the American Meteor Society.
Viewing of the Perseids lasts until August 23 (and may be better after the peak, especially after August 16, when the moonlight dims). The best viewing occurs after midnight and through pre-dawn when meteors are most frequent. Allow some time to let your eyes adjust to the darkness, about 15 to 20 minutes. Experts suggest stargazers face away from the moon, toward the northeast where Perseus (the radiant) climbs high.
For the fanatics: Custer Institute boasts some of the darkest skies on Long Island, offering a great opportunity for stargazing. Located in Southold, the institute is open every Saturday night, from 8pm until midnight, weather permitting, with telescopes available for viewing the night sky. For more more information, click here.
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