Perseid meteor shower in Georgia: What to know, where to watch

That’s when, weather permitting — fingers crossed for clear skies — stargazers will have the most bountiful opportunity to marvel as streaking meteors shoot across the sky.

The moon will do its part to help viewers. There’s a new moon Aug. 12, meaning skies will be darker to optimize viewing.

“We are really lucky that it happens to be the actual same day as the new moon this year because that way even the fainter meteors we’ll be able to see,” said Karisa Zdanky, astronomy program manager at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville.

At its peak, there could be 90 or more meteors per hour, though experts caution that rate isn’t always met and depend on variables.

“Under a clear sky with no moon, you could reasonably expect to see somewhere around 50 meteors per hour, give or take. Luckily, the New Moon phase hits on August 12th, which means it will be beneath the horizon all night, providing a much darker sky,” said Justin H. Robinson, a Georgia State University astrophysicist, lecturer and director of public outreach for the physics and astronomy department, in an email.

Tips for viewing the Perseid meteor shower in Georgia

The meteor shower occurs every summer because of debris left behind from Comet Swift-Tuttle. The event gets its name from the constellation Perseus, located near the area of the sky where it looks like the meteors originate.

Those hoping to observe the display should turn their eyes to the north, said Rachael Lambert, instructional specialist at the Fernbank Science Center.

She recommends heading out during the early morning hours of Aug. 13, between midnight and dawn. Dusk on Aug. 12 could also provide opportunities, though the later the better, Zdanky said.

The meteors are visible with the naked eye, so no special equipment is needed. In fact, Zdanky recommends not using a telescope since you don’t know exactly where in the sky to train it to glimpse a fast-moving meteor.

“Honestly, the best way to enjoy it is if you can … take a blanket outside, lay on it, stare,” she said.

Just what you’ll be able to see is extremely weather dependent. The National Weather Service says it’s too early to know if clouds will obstruct viewing in Georgia. Begin to check the forecast early next week to get a better sense of the expected conditions.

Where to view the Perseid meteor shower in Georgia

If you plan to remain in and around Atlanta, don’t expect to see many small to mid-sized meteors, Robinson said.

But city dwellers may not be entirely out of luck. There are still “larger chunks of debris from the parent comet” that can burn up very brightly in the atmosphere, Robinson said.

“The Perseids are known for these ‘fireballs’, so even if a curious observer is stuck in Atlanta, they may catch some of those larger chunks blowing up,” he said.

But for those set on maximizing the experience, seek out a rural landscape with less light pollution and fewer buildings to obstruct the skies. Experts recommended the following locations:

There are numerous overlooks off highways and roads within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that provide good viewing opportunities:

Several campgrounds within the national forest also are nice spots for night sky viewing. Reservations are required:

Space lovers could also trek to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point and part of the national forest. It is just over two hours from Atlanta near Hiawassee. The site is accessible at night, but shuttle service ends at 5 p.m. and the trail is very steep. There is an entrance fee and overnight camping is not permitted.