Ready for the Perseid meteor shower? Here are 3 stargazing spots near State College

Meredith Howard
·2 min read

It’s possible to see “shooting stars” any night, but NASA says the August meteor shower known as Perseids typically brings “one of the most vivid annual meteor showers visible in Earth’s night sky.”

The shower will peak Aug. 12 and 13, but astronomers expect the full moon to reduce meteor visibility. Most years’ Perseid showers will see 50 to 60 meteors fall per hour in peak times, but stargazers will likely see closer to 10 or 20 an hour at best this year, according to NASA.

The Perseid shower got its name from its “radiant” (the place the meteors appear to come from), the constellation Perseus, according to NASA. The meteors in this shower are known for their fireballs.

“Fireballs are larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak,” NASA says.

The best time to see the meteors in the Northern Hemisphere is the pre-dawn hours, but you might get lucky and see some as early as 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where can you watch the meteor shower in Centre County?

If you’re hoping to catch the meteor shower after dark, look for a stargazing spot with as little light pollution as possible. Here are some places where you might be able to catch clearer views.

Tom Tudek Memorial Park

Tom Tudek Memorial Park comprises 87 acres and has a playground, basketball court, pavilions, indoor restrooms and more. The Central Pennsylvania Observers club holds stargazing gatherings at this park, and the next event is set for Sept. 1.

Location: 400 Herman Drive, State College, PA 16801

Bernel Road Park

Bernel Road Park is 74.4 acres, and it offers a playground, pavilion, drinking fountain, walking path, picnic tables and tennis/pickleball courts. There’s also charcoal grills and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Location: 2501 Bernel Road, State College, PA 16803

Oak Hall Regional Park

Oak Hall Regional Park offers 68 acres and has four multi-purpose softball diamonds, a walking path, restroom facilities and a concession stand (though if you’re stargazing at pre-dawn hours, it’s likely the stand will not be open). The park officially opened in 2015.

Location: Oak Hall Trail, Boalsburg, PA 16827

Do you have a favorite public stargazing spot around State College? Email mhoward@bnd.com with the location.