The upcoming Perseids meteor showers are expected to reach peak viewing on Wednesday, August 12, through the early hours of Thursday, August 13 and you have a place to watch them. Montauk Point State Park’s upper parking lot will be open for the viewing, free of charge.
According to Space.com, the Perseid meteor is active from July 17 through August 24, with “a strong maximum overnight on August 12 to 13, with sightings of 50 or more shooting stars per hour possible. “The Perseids officially build gradually over several weeks as Earth slowly enters the broad debris stream left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. It was last in the inner solar system in 1992 and will return in 2126.”
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that several Long Island state parks will remain open during the nighttime hours for viewing of the Perseids Meteor Showers on August 12th through pre-dawn on the 13th.
Officials stated “There will be no charge and the normal star-gazing permit will not be required. Those attending must remain near their vehicles.” Officials also suggest that you dress appropriately, bring bug spray, and a chair that reclines…and look towards the northeast and enjoy the celestial show. Binoculars are not needed.
State parks remaining open are:
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- Jones Beach State Park – West End 2 (west parking lot)
- Sunken Meadow State Park – Field 3
- Montauk Point State Park – Upper parking lot
- Wildwood State Park – Field 1 parking lot
- Orient Beach State Park – main parking lot
- Hallock State Park Preserve – Upper parking lot
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