When and How to Watch Perseid Meteor Showers in Michigan
3 min read
Every summer, the Perseid meteor showers grace the night skies above Michigan. Learn more about this celestial display and the best places and times to check them out in Michigan.
What causes the Perseid meteor showers?
Debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet turns into the meteor showers that are visible from Earth. While the comet does not pass close by Earth every year, the dust and debris that it gives off becomes meteors that are visible during some summer months each year. They are named after the constellation Perseus, which is in the northern area of the sky where the meteors will be visible.
How long do the Perseid meteor showers go on?
In 2024, the meteor showers take place between July 12 and August 24. However, the peak days to view the meteor showers will be August 11, 12 and 13. The meteor showers will be visible in varying degrees between nightfall and dawn. Note that the best time of night to see the meteors will be after the moon sets, which is around midnight or shortly after midnight on those three peak days. The moon will be full or nearly full on those three days, so waiting until it sets is going to be your best bet to see the 50-100 meteors that pass by visibly every hour during peak times.
Where is the best place in Michigan to see the Perseid meteor showers?
The number one enemy for meteor shower visibility is light pollution. The further you can get away from city lights, the better view you will have of the Perseids. The Lake Michigan shoreline is a great option, provided you are far enough away from cities and towns with light pollution. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular night-sky viewing spot. Michigan also has parks that are designated dark-sky preserves that serve nicely as Perseid viewing spots:
- Lake Hudson Recreation Area
- Negwegon State Park
- Port Crescent State Park
- Rockport Recreation Area
- Thompson's Harbor State Park
- Wilderness State Park
Tips for watching the Perseid meteor showers in Michigan
Stargazing and viewing meteor showers aren’t always as simple as looking up to the sky at the right time. Follow these tips to make sure you are prepared for a successful meteor viewing:
- Bring comfort items like camp chairs, blankets, snacks and water.
- Bring a sky map with you. There are plenty of sky map apps available, but you won’t want light pollution from your phone when you’re trying to get a good look at the Perseids.
- Use a red-light flashlight leading up to the viewing. You won’t want to be out in the dark without a light source, but you don’t want to ruin your viewing with a bright flashlight. Many flashlights come with a red-light setting.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Get there ahead of moonset to make sure you are in place and prepared for the height of the meteor shower display.
When will the Perseid meteor showers return?
After the meteor showers peter out by August 24, 2024, you will have to wait until next summer to catch a glimpse. They will be back again between July 17 and August 24, 2025, with the peak once again around August 12 in 2025.
