A meteor shower is an amazing natural phenomenon, an invitation of the outdoors to connect and see something spectacular. For the most part, meteor showers aren't like rain showers, and a meteor frequency of one per minute is quite a decent shower. How do you maximize the odds of most meteors being seen?
Make sure you know the days when the shower is going to peak
For several days, meteor showers occur when Earth experiences a large stream of ice objects in space, debris left behind by a comet. That simply means its peak - It's a moment in time where the largest number of particles from a single meteor stream is expected to reach Earth. Be mindful that the best showers often happen after midnight.
Find out in your time zone the time of the shower's peak
You don't have to look at the busiest time exactly. But it will allow you to assess which night is the best for you.
Look out for the nights near the peak, too
You may not see as many meteors if you skip the peak of a shower. But don't be discouraged! Meteor shower peak forecasts are not always right on the money. Hours before or after the published peak, it is possible to see some cool meteor shows.
Put in mind that as with other parts of nature, meteor showers can defy prediction.
You must be mindful of the moon phase
If the moon is in a quarter or greater phase, you'll miss meteors, even if the skies are otherwise dark. It's all right that the moon sets before it radiates because Earth is shielding the rays of the moon from the sky. Yet nothing dulls a meteor shower's appearance more successfully than a full moon's existence.
Keep yourself warm
Even during the spring and summer months, the nights can be really cold. So don't forget to bring a coat and, if you can, a thermos for tea or coffee.
Get comfy and enjoy
To recline peacefully when gazing up at the horizon, bring a blanket or lawn chair. If you're watching with a friend, set your chairs back to back and marvel at the various areas of the sky. And if one of you sees a meteor, he or she will yell out "meteor," and everyone will stop and turn.
Relax and watch the stars at night. Not every shower of meteorites is a winner. Often, you could only come out of a shower and see a single meteor. Remember this, though: It would be worth it if the one meteor is a brilliant one, especially if it takes a slow ride through a starry night sky.
