The Perseid meteor shower took place this past week. It's an annual event that usually occurs around this time of year. Earth and a comet cross paths around August, creating the show. It was such a great time to watch this year because there was no moonlight, leaving the sky dark enough to see even the streaks the meteors leave behind. How does one watch burning specks of space rocks fall into our atmosphere then be completely burned up? There's really no wrong way to do it! But here are my suggestions:
1. Get yourself in the dark.
You won't able to see anything if you're not fully emerged in darkness. This means escaping any city lights and driving to a less populated part of the world. Depending on what part of the States you're in, you may get a better view. According to USA Today, these were the lucky spots for Perseid.
2. Put on your PJs because it's way too late to have regular clothes on.
The ideal time to watch a meteor shower is anywhere from midnight to 3 a.m. depending on what time zone you're in. The best time to go out and watch is right after you've gotten ready for bed. After you've washed your face, brushed your teeth, retainer in and all. Once you get back home, you'll be able to jump into bed immediately and dream about the magnificent sight you just saw.
3. Find a comfy place to rest your head
You'll be staring up the whole time so whether you find yourself in the bed of a truck or in a grassy knoll, make sure you're comfortable being horizontal most of the time. If appropriate, pack pillows and blankets to cuddle up!
4. Party snacks
Like any show, a star show requires popcorn. Staring into oblivion can cause quite the appetite! Marshmallows and candy or popcorn and pretzels will complete the show.
5. Put away those pesky devices
I know there are cool apps to look at the stars with, but as Aristotle said, the best app of all is your mind. You can't take a picture of the sky anyway unless you have a very high quality camera on the right settings. And NO that does not include your iPhone, Jessica! Make your trip a non-picture, non-social media event. The night sky lit up with meteors isn't an image you'll have to worry about forgetting.
6. Pull out those existential conversations!
Looking up at stars that are billions of miles away reminds you how small we are. Those thoughts are exactly what lead early thinkers to question our own existence and imagine great things about the universe around us. Whisper what you think is going to happen to us after we die to the person next to you and ask them what they think. A meteor will cross the sky right as the conversation finds a peaceful silence.
If you missed this meteor shower, there's another coming up in October called the Orionid meteor shower to look forward to.
