meteor shower in denver tonight

See Shooting Stars Tonight? Denver’s Prime Spot for the Perseid Meteor Shower

Denver stargazers, get ready! Tonight is an excellent night to potentially witness the Perseid meteor shower, peaking in mid-August. With dark skies and clear weather predicted, the Mile High City offers a great vantage point to observe this celestial event. This year, viewing conditions are especially favorable because the moon is in a waning crescent phase, meaning its light will interfere less with seeing the fainter meteors.

What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual celestial event that occurs as Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. These tiny particles, mostly the size of sand grains, enter Earth’s atmosphere at incredible speeds, burning up and creating bright streaks of light that we see as meteors or “shooting stars.” According to Wikipedia’s explanation on Perseids, the radiant, the point from which the meteors appear to originate, is in the constellation Perseus, hence the name.

Prime Viewing Time for Denver

The best time to view the Perseid meteor shower in Denver tonight will be after midnight, leading into the early morning hours. As the night progresses, the radiant point in Perseus rises higher in the northeast sky, increasing the number of visible meteors. Try to find a spot away from city lights for the best viewing experience.

Where to Watch in and Around Denver

To maximize your chances of seeing the most meteors, escape the light pollution of the city. Consider driving to higher elevations or areas with less artificial light. Popular spots near Denver include:

• Lookout Mountain
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre (when events aren’t scheduled)
• Areas along I-70 heading west into the mountains.

Remember to dress warmly, bring a blanket or chair, and allow your eyes about 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

Tips for Spotting Meteors

Patience is key! It can take a while for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness. Avoid looking at your phone or any bright lights. Scan the entire sky, not just the constellation Perseus. Meteors can appear anywhere! The darker the skies, the more meteors you’ll see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Perseid meteor shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle. These tiny particles burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating the streaks of light we see as meteors.

What time is the best to see the Perseids?

The best time to view the Perseid meteor shower is generally after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant point is higher in the sky.

Where is the best place to watch the meteor shower near Denver?

Look for areas away from city lights and at higher elevations, such as Lookout Mountain or areas along I-70 heading west into the mountains.

How many meteors can I expect to see?

Under ideal conditions, you might see up to 50-100 meteors per hour during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

Do I need any special equipment to view the meteor shower?

No special equipment is needed. Just find a dark spot, allow your eyes to adjust, and look up!

Summary

Denver is in for a treat tonight with the Perseid meteor shower potentially putting on a dazzling display. Find a dark spot, be patient, and enjoy the celestial show. With clear skies expected, you have a good chance of spotting some shooting stars. Happy stargazing!