Have you ever seen a shooting star? What about 100?
The Perseid meteor shower — aka the Perseids — is predicted to take place throughout July and August. The shower happens when Earth passes through the trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle, offering spectators across the globe the opportunity to see ~100 meteors per hour when the shower is at its peak.
Ready to go meteor hunting? Check out our guide below.
When to view
The best time to watch the meteor shower is late at night or in the predawn hours during its peak from Thurs., Aug. 11-Sat., Aug. 13. These days will provide the opportunity to see the brightest + most numerous meteors.
However, because of the full Sturgeon moon on Thurs., Aug. 11, the showers are expected to be washed out. On this night, the sky will be darkest right before dawn.
Bonus: Even if you can’t watch the Perseid meteor shower during its peak, you can still catch views of the shower throughout the rest of August.
Where to go
When choosing a spot to watch the Perseids, aim for a location that is away from man-made light. Here are some spots that we suggest:
Sullivan’s Island Beach | Station 18 Street, Sullivan’s Island | Head down to the ocean on Sullivan’s Island to experience waterfront viewing.
Pitt Street Bridge | Pitt Street, Mt. Pleasant | Bring a blanket and explore this historic landmark in the Old Village Historic District with plenty of space for viewing.
Natural Gathering Grounds | 7338 Peirce Rd., Ridgeville | Request a booking on the campgrounds and take a road trip out to this 54-acre communal habitat around 30 miles from Charleston.
Brittlebank Park | 185 Lockwood Dr. | Walk out on the pier at this 10-acre park for unobstructed, waterfront views.
Pro tip: You don’t need binoculars or a telescope to view the Perseids. If you have trouble finding the shower, make sure you are looking at the darkest part of the sky and allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
What to bring
- A blanket
- A light jacket (or even a sleeping bag)
- Chairs
- A red flashlight (learn how to make your own.)
Pro tip: Pick up a bag of Original Charleston Benne Wafers from Olde Colony Bakery in case you get hungry.