The Perseid meteor shower 2024

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, will reach its peak in 2024 during the nights of August 11th and 12th. This year, conditions are particularly favorable for stargazers in Orange County, California, as the crescent moon will set early, around 11:30 PM local time, leaving the sky dark and optimal for meteor viewing.

Perseids meteor shower for Orange County Ca (Night between August 11 and August 12)
Time	Azimuth/Direction	Altitude
Sun 8:00 pm	11°	3.4°
Sun 9:00 pm	18°	6.4°
Sun 10:00 pm	25°	10.9°
Sun 11:00 pm	30°	16.7°
Mon 12:00 midnight	35°	23.3°
Mon 1:00 am	38°	30.7°
Mon 2:00 am	39°	38.5°
Mon 3:00 am	39°	46.4°
Mon 4:00 am	35°	54.0°
Mon 5:00 am	27°	60.4°
Mon 6:00 am	12°	64.6°

The best time to watch the Perseids will be after midnight, when the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate, is high in the sky. You can expect to see between 50 to 100 meteors per hour during peak activity, depending on your location and sky conditions. For the best experience, find a location away from city lights, such as the foothills or coastal areas of Orange County.

No special equipment is necessary to enjoy the Perseids, as they are visible to the naked eye. However, to enhance your viewing experience, consider bringing a reclining chair or blanket to lie on, and allow your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. If you have binoculars, they can be used to explore other celestial objects in the night sky, but they aren’t needed to see the meteors themselves.

Weather-wise, clear skies are essential. Be sure to check the local forecast as the date approaches. In Orange County, August typically offers dry and clear conditions, but coastal fog could be a concern for those near the ocean.

Be sure to no use flashlights or look at your phone for a few minutes to let your eyes adjust to the night’s sky. To find a good location to view this event in Orange County California be sure to check out OC Star Spots on our website.

For a full 2024 Meteor Shower Calendar visit the International Meteor Organization