NASA/Preston Dyches
One of the most vivid meteor showers of the year is just peaking, and there’s plenty of time left to see it. The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers, known for their bright meteors and high visibility. They peak annually around mid-August and are a favorite for stargazers, especially in regions with clear skies and minimal light pollution. So what is the best place to see them?
Central Florida’s topography offers a unique viewing experience. The flat terrain and typically clear late night summer skies provide excellent conditions for observation. You should get a great show in any area away from city lights, such as the Ocala National Forest or the rural outskirts of Orlando.
While viewing will be great from many areas, if you demand the very best, try the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Kissimmee Prairie was the first area in Florida to be officially designated as a “dark sky” location, meaning it offers some of the darkest skies in the entire state. During the peak nights, you can expect to see between 60 to 100 meteors per hour, especially after midnight when the sky is darkest. Note that you’ll need a reservation as a camper to be in the park late at night. You can begin your reservation here.
Regardless of whether you choose the Kissimmee preserve or another location, look in the area high in the sky and to the northeast between midnight and dawn. You’ll be looking toward the constellation Perseus. (Having an app such as SkyMap on your phone will help you find the constellation, but you probably won’t need to be looking precisely at it to see the meteors.) The Perseid radiant point is located there. A “radiant point” is the narrow area in the sky where the meteors will appear to come from, spreading out in different directions much like water from a shower head.
October Meteor Showers
After the Perseids, Central Florida residents can look forward to several other meteor showers in October:
- Draconids (October 6-10): This is a minor shower, but in some years, it has surprised observers with an outburst of meteors. The Draconids are best viewed in the evening just after sunset, unlike most meteor showers that are best seen after midnight.
- Orionids (October 2 – November 7): The Orionids, which peak around October 21st, are remnants of Halley’s Comet. While not as prolific as the Perseids, they are known for their bright and fast meteors. The Orionids can be seen in the early morning hours, with up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
- Southern Taurids (September 10 – November 20): The Taurids are long-lasting but have a lower rate of meteors. However, they are known for producing bright fireballs. Their peak occurs around October 10th, and they are visible throughout the night.
Tips for Viewing in Central Florida
- Location: Choose a dark location away from city lights. The farther you are from light pollution, the better the visibility.
- Timing: For the Perseids and Orionids, the best viewing times are after midnight, when the sky is darkest, and the meteors are more frequent.
- Equipment: While meteor showers can be enjoyed with the naked eye, bringing a reclining chair or a blanket can make the experience more comfortable.
Special Considerations
Central Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before planning your meteor shower outing. Clear skies are crucial for the best viewing experience. Also, late summer and early fall can still be quite warm, so dress comfortably and bring insect repellent if you’re heading out to a rural area.
Meteor showers like the Perseids and the October events provide a spectacular celestial display visible from Central Florida. With proper planning, residents and visitors alike can enjoy these astronomical events in one of the best natural theaters available—the night sky.
