Tips to See Perseids

Timing

• The Perseids meteor shower shows up every August and lasts most of the month. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth's rotation and the location of the showers coincide so the best time for viewing will be between 2 and 4 a.m. on Aug. 12 through 14 in 2011.

Avoid Light

• Avoid ambient light. If you are in a city, get as far away from the lights as possible. Shut off your car, turn off flashlights or lanterns, and do not try to watch the star show near a bonfire. Ambient light not only makes it difficult to see the astronomical activity, but prevents your eyes from adequately adjusting to the night sky.

Where to Look

• The best way to see the Perseids meteor shower is to first find the constellation Perseus, which rises in the Northeast. Locate a dark patch of sky closest to Perseus; that will make it easier to see the contrast between the dark sky and bright meteors. According to the University of Washington Astronomy Department, the moon will be new during the height of the showers in 2011; therefore, less ambient light will make for better viewing.

Additional Tips

• Bring a blanket and lie down to watch the shower. Binoculars and telescopes actually cut down the field of vision and are not necessary; the naked eye will do just fine. Be patient; the shower is not a consistent rain that begins precisely on time. If going early in the evening -- not the peak viewing hours of 2 to 4 a.m. -- NASA recommends watching for 30 minutes to 1 hour before giving up.