Perseids Quick Facts

Meteor Shower Dates: July 14 – August 24
Peak Dates: Mid-Early August
Peak Meteor Showers: Up To 100 under perfect conditions
Best Viewing Times: Pre-dawn hours, up until 10pm
Originating Constellation: Perseus

Summary

Probably the most popular meteor shower of the year, the Perseid Meteor Shower is a meteor shower that can live up to the hype. Depending on the weather and the phase of the moon, the Perseid meteor showers can be an absolutely stunning show

The shower is visible from mid-July each year, with the peak in activity between 9 and 14 August, depending on the particular location of the stream.

During the peak, the rate of meteors reaches 60 or more per hour. They can be seen all across the sky; however, because of the shower’s radiant in the constellation of Perseus, the Perseids are primarily visible in the Northern Hemisphere. As with many meteor showers the visible rate is greatest in the pre-dawn hours, since more meteoroids are scooped up by the side of the Earth moving forward into the stream, corresponding to local times between midnight and noon

Where to view the Perseid Meteor Shower in the Pacific Northwest?
In the Portland area, check with OMSI because they host a Star Party in 2 locations: Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park. If one does attend the OMSI Star Parties, please get there early! There are stories of cars lining up miles down the road for the event right as it starts because of the crowds. Please plan accordingly!