Hurry! LOOK UP! The Perseid Meteor Shower is happening now through August. A Meteor Shower is absolutely magical! And the best part is you don’t need anything to view the shower. You can enjoy the entire special event with your naked eye!
Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid Meteor Shower (named this because the meteors look like they are coming from the constellation Perseus.) usually peaks in mid-August. But this year with a full moon around August 11, the best time to view the meteor shower might be the beginning of August. The shower happens when the Earth passes through debris trail by the Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As it passes through there are small fragments from that comet that fall into our atmosphere and create the shower!
Best Local Places to View Perseid Meteor Shower
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OJAI
Settled at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai can be a great spot to view the meteor shower. The city offers dark skies because they have a dark skies ordinance which requires nonessential lighting be turned off at 10pm. If you decide to view the shower from here, we encourage you to get there before dark and enjoy the city. Ojai has many tasty restaurants, fun playgrounds and yummy ice cream spots!
RELATED: “Ojai Day Trip – Stop to Smell the Orange Blossoms”
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OAK CANYON COMMUNITY PARK, OAK PARK
Although the skies won’t be as dark as in Ojai, this can be a great viewing area. The park has later visiting hours, which will allow you a small window of opportunity to see the meteor show! Make sure to check the park hours and parking before heading there to check about the day you plan to be there.
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MOORPARK COLLEGE OBSERVATORY
Moorpark College Observatory does not specifically offer a public viewing of this meteor shower, but it might be worth calling to see if you can schedule a time to take a look through the observatory’s 12-inch reflective telescope.
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MOUNT PINOS, LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
If you are feeling adventurous you can head to Mount Pinos, Los Padres National Forest. You can find a wide pullout or campground to view the sky and look for meteors. Stop by the Chuchupate Ranger Station to get some advice about a great spot.
Enjoy Perseid Meteor Shower
We hope your family is able to see the Perseid Meteor Shower. Happy Viewing!
