One of the summer's best celestial shows, the Perseid meteor shower, will reach its peak the nights of Aug. 11 and 12. Experts are predicting as many as 50 meteors an hour this year.
But if you have the chance, and the clouds cooperate, any time this week should reveal at least a few meteors.
The Perseids are typically fast and bright meteors, and leave persistent streaks of light, said astronomers with Earth and Sky magazine.
Observers should expect little to no interference from the moon as it will be in its waxing crescent stage. During the evening hours, the moon will be near the planet Saturn, adding another element to watch for.
The meteor shower is created as the Earth passes through the tail of the comet Swift-Tuttle. While the meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, don't worry about finding that collection of stars. The meteors will race across the sky in a multitude of directions.
When to look: The later the better. As the night progresses, the meteors will be higher in the sky, making them easier to see. The best viewing will be after midnight.
Where to look: Find a spot with wide-open views and as far from city lights as possible. The darker the location, the more meteors you will likely see. Picking a spot without obstructions will allow you to see meteors that streak across the sky closer to the horizon.
Some good South Sound viewing locations include Penrose Point and Kopachuck state parks, along Old Highway 99 between Tenino and Interstate 5, the Yelm Prairie area and Mima Mounds near Littlerock.
At Mount Rainier: If you want to join some experts in watching the meteor showers, adult and student members of the Tacoma Astronomical Society will gather at Mount Rainier National Park from 9-11 p.m. Saturday. The group will meet near Paradise Inn.
The park offers a number of good viewing spots, including Sunrise Point and the Kautz Creek parking area. While observers at Kautz Creek have to contend with the headlights of occasional passing traffic at that hour, it is quicker to reach than other park locales and there are toilets there, especially convenient for children. The Reflection Lake parking area is another option.
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