SCIENCE
Perseid meteor shower: Best spots to watch near Albuquerque
The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak in the early morning hours of Aug. 13
The occurs every year at the end of the summer, and this year, it peaks in the early morning hours of Aug. 13.
A new moon will make the skies darker this year, giving viewers what should be a great view of the Perseids 鈥� a favorite among stargazers because they tend to produce brilliant fireballs, larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak. Astronomers say to expect about 25 meteors per hour.
If you're looking to stargaze with the peeps you love, NASA suggests viewing the meteor shower between moonset and sunrise, far away from light pollution.
The Albuquerque Astronomical Society also recommends watching them with the naked eye 鈥� no telescope, no binoculars 鈥� with a lounge chair and a cup of coffee, from midnight til 3 a.m.
For those wanting to drive deep into the desert to catch a clear view, the Journal recommends heading to:
Sandia Crest Scenic Byway in the Sandia Mountains (note that the road is closed beyond the 10k Trailhead Parking lot)
Oak Flats near Tijeras
Placitas Open Space
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Look for the meteors 鈥� which are debris from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle 鈥� to the northeast, between the constellations Cassiopeia and Perseus, the meteors鈥� namesake.
Karmina Conde is a news reporter for the Journal. You can reach her at kconderuiz@abqjournal.com
