New Jersey

Perseid Meteor Shower: The Best Time to Watch It in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware

Skywatchers will be looking up at the Perseid meteor shower, but when will it be best viewing?

It’s historically one of the best meteor showers of the year, but this year’s Perseids faces some pressure from the moon and the clouds.

A Meteor Show in the Sky

The Perseid meteor shower peaks Monday night through Tuesday. The annual August show typically offers up 50 to 100 meteors per hour, but this year the number will likely be far lower because the moon is nearly full. That extra light makes it hard to see what many people call “shooting stars” associated with the meteor shower.

Even with the moon, it’s still possible to see the meteors zipping across the sky in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

When Is It Best to View the Perseid Meteor Shower?

While you can spot a few any time after sunset, viewing Monday night will be best before midnight, when high clouds will start to cross the region, NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Krystal Klei said.

Tuesday night’s viewing will be poor, as we’ll see downpours and plenty of clouds blocking the view.

Local

Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.

Deadly crash closes Black Horse Pike in Atlantic County

Pa. House advances measure to prohibit ‘ghost guns'

As always, your best chance to see the show is by sitting in a dark spot away from city and street lights.

"Don’t forget, visibility always improves when you’re away from concentrated areas of city lights," Krystal said.

Contact Us