When is the next meteor shower? Here's when you'll see Perseids in New Jersey

Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read
A Perseid meteor streaks across the early morning sky during the Perseid meteor shower in 2015. Dark, moonless skies may permit many Perseid meteors to be seen early on the morning of Aug. 13.
A Perseid meteor streaks across the early morning sky during the Perseid meteor shower in 2015. Dark, moonless skies may permit many Perseid meteors to be seen early on the morning of Aug. 13.

Are you ready to see the shooting stars?

Dust off those binoculars and grab your blankets, sky-gazers — it’s time to assemble.

One of the best celestial events of 2023, the Perseids meteor shower, is approaching and will be visible to New Jersey residents between Aug. 11 and 13.

The Perseids are the most popular meteor showers viewed from the Northern Hemisphere under dark skies. Last year's event had a full moon during the peak activity that distorted the view, but this time, the moon will be illuminating at only 10%, providing clear visibility for onlookers.

This year the peak will be ahead of the new moon with maximum activity on Aug. 13.

What is a meteor shower?

The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through debris — bits of ice and rock — left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, which last passed close to Earth in 1992. The Perseids peak when Earth passes through the densest and dustiest area on Aug. 11-12.

The Perseids are caused by the Earth moving through debris, released from Swift-Tuttle, named after two astronomers, that interact with the atmosphere very quickly. The Perseids get their name because they seem to come from the direction of a Northern Hemisphere constellation called Perseus. The Perseids peak on warm August nights and range from 50-75 "shooting stars" per hour.

Best time to watch Perseid meteor shower

The Perseids are active from July 14 to Sept. 1, and will peak between Aug. 11-13 after midnight through dawn. Depending on the location and the moon, skywatchers may be able to view the shower as early as 10 p.m.

Best places to watch a meteor shower in NJ

The location should be far from city lights and have dark skies. The darker the sky, the better view will be. Also, make sure the location is open even if it has public access. Suggested places with dark skies away from luminance lights are: campgrounds, state parks, lakes, a local observatory and areas surrounded by mountains.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Meteor shower tonight NJ: Where to see the Perseids