If you've been looking for an excuse to get outside on a warm Colorado summer night, this is it.
The annual Perseid Meteor Shower, widely considered the best meteor shower of the year, is expected to peak during the early morning hours of August 12 and August 13. This year is especially exciting because the peak falls during a new moon, creating some of the darkest skies of the year and ideal viewing conditions.
Under dark skies, you may see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, and in exceptional conditions, as many as 90 "shooting stars" per hour.
The Perseids are already active and will continue through August 24, but the peak is when you'll have the best opportunity to catch the show.
Best Places to Watch Near Monument and Colorado Springs
One of the many reasons I love living in this area is how quickly we can escape city lights.
Some great viewing locations include:
- Mount Herman Road near Monument
- Palmer Lake area
- Paint Mines Interpretive Park (after checking park access rules)
- Eleven Mile State Park
- Florissant Fossil Beds area
- Mueller State Park
- Garden of the Gods overlook areas after sunset (for convenience, though skies won't be as dark)
- Anywhere in Black Forest with minimal light pollution
Wherever you go, allow your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and skip the flashlight if possible.
Best Time to Watch
The best viewing will be:
- Early morning hours before dawn
- August 12 and August 13
- Anywhere with clear skies and minimal light pollution
No telescope is needed. Just a lawn chair, a blanket, and a little patience.
One More Reason to Love Living Here
Sometimes it's the little moments that remind us why we love Colorado.
Whether you're watching a sunrise over Pikes Peak, hiking local trails, or enjoying one of the best meteor showers of the year with family and friends, our community offers experiences that make this an incredible place to call home.
I hope you get a chance to step outside next week and enjoy the show.
Source: EarthSky, American Meteor Society, Fox Weather
