This year, the Bay Area is set to be treated to an unforgettable show in the sky, as the much-awaited Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak this weekend, with as many as 100 meteors per hour streaking across the night sky. The annual celestial event, caused by the Earth passing through a stream of particles from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, has been active over the last several days, but the best time to watch is between 11 p.m. on August 12th and 3:30 a.m. on August 13th, when the meteors will be the most visible, said Gerald McKeegan, an adjunct astronomer for the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland.
Although the phenomenon is highly anticipated, stargazers in coastal areas should be prepared for potentially less-than-ideal viewing conditions due to a deep marine layer developing over the weekend. Still, weather models are predicting mostly clear skies further inland and at higher elevations, such as Mount Tamalpais and the Berkeley Hills, so there is still hope for a spectacular show.
The Perseid meteor shower, named after the constellation Perseus where the meteors appear to originate, is a result of the Earth moving through a trail of debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As these particles enter the Earth's atmosphere at about 40-60 kilometers per second, they burn up and ionize the air around them, creating the striking streaks of light we know as "shooting stars," McKeegan explained to KRON4.
To increase your chances of catching a glimpse of the meteor shower, head to a dark, secluded spot away from city lights and face northeast, where the meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, according to McKeegan. Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, avoiding looking at your phone or other bright sources of light. Telescopes and binoculars are not recommended, as they will limit your view of the sky and potentially hinder your meteor-spotting experience.
Bay Area locals looking for prime viewing spots have plenty of options, as well. SFGATE's travel editor Silas Valentino suggests trying the hidden (but growing) campground Mendocino Magic on a mountaintop in Mendocino County. Other sites, such as Mount Tamalpais, the Berkeley Hills, and Mount Diablo, also offer great vantage points for sky watching. And as a testament to the meteor shower's popularity, a special viewing party event at the Chabot Space and Science Center has already sold out, showcasing just how enthusiastic Bay Area stargazers are about this annual celestial event.
So for those in the Bay Area eager for a breathtaking display of nature's beauty, the Perseid meteor shower promises to deliver an awe-inspiring spectacle. Don't miss your chance to witness this annual marvel and be sure to head to a scenic viewing spot to make the most of this dazzling celestial show.
