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Image via Jordan Lacsina |
Plan ahead. // There are several different meteor showers throughout the year with varying frequency and ability to see based on the moon phase at the time and of course the weather. I usually look up the dates for all the meteor showers throughout the year and pencil them in my calendar so I know when they are. Here is a calendar you can follow. You don't have to stick to only the peak dates either, these are just when you are more likely to see more.
Head somewhere dark. // You're going to want to get as far away from light pollution as you can. When you get away from the city, you will be surprised by how many stars you can see. The darker the sky, the more meteors you will see. Just make sure that it is okay for you to be in the location you're planning on viewing the shower at and you aren't trespassing. You can use a light pollution map like this one to help you find a good spot.
Understand the radiant point. // Each meteor shower has a different radiant point, which is just the point in the sky that the meteors appear to radiate from. It isn't necessary to know the radiant and wait for it to be up in the sky, but it can be useful. You will still see meteors even before the radiant has risen into the sky, but once it has you will see a lot more of them. When it is the highest overhead, you will see the most.
Pack for the occasion. // No matter what time of year you are planning to view a meteor shower there are certain things you should always bring. Make sure you have something warm with you, even in the summer because nights can get damp and chilly. If it is colder you will want to also bring some warmer clothing like gloves, a hat, etc. In the warmer months make sure you have bug spray so you don't get eaten alive. If you are planning on staying out for an extended period of time consider bringing along snacks and beverages. Depending on where you are planning to view the shower, you'll also want to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs so you can comfortably recline and watch the sky. Binoculars are an optional item, I usually tend to see more meteors without them because I can watch the entire sky and not just one small part of it, but it can be fun to take a few minutes and look through them. One more optional item I recommend bringing is a flashlight. If you can, bring a red flashlight in order to preserve your night vision.
Put the phone away. // Similar to a normal flashlight, the light that your devices emit will impact your vision at night. Every time you glance down at your phone and then back up you are going to have to wait for your eyes to readjust. When your eyes are adjusted to the dark you will see more stars and meteors. Use this time to unplug from your devices, connect with nature, and recharge.
Let me know if you watch meteor showers and have any additional tips or questions down in the comments! Happy stargazing!
Great tips and pretty picture. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
My husband would love to see a meteor shower!! I mean so would I, but him way more LOL xo, Biana - BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteLol! Thanks Biana!
DeleteI love them too! They are so amazing and special, we watch when we can!
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
LOVE this! Especially the advice to put the phone away! <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
OH MY Gosh, how neat! You need to frame this image or something it's gorgeous-what a cool thing to do/watch.
ReplyDeleteKatelyn
www.theyellowspectacles.com
Thanks Katelyn! I didn't actually take that photo, but I did link to the source!
DeleteThis is such an interesting post. Meteorology and the weather are such fascinating subjects. They are always ever-changing as is Mother Nature.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday!
Beautiful photo !!! XOXO Happy Monday !
ReplyDeletesuch a great post!
ReplyDeletexx
http://thedemeler.com
beautiful. thanks for the tips. I don't think we have ever gone to watch a meteor shower.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!! I've never seen one but definitely want to!
ReplyDeletewww.maggiealamode.com
Thanks so much Maggie!
DeleteMeteor showers are so cool! I definitely have to travel outside the city to see them here though. All great tips doll! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Pamela!
DeleteGorgeous photos and such great tips! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHeidi || Wishes & Reality
I love meteor showers as well! They are possibly one of the coolest things to see. I had no idea about a radiant point thought! Great info to know, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnnessa
www.seekingsunshine.com
Thanks Annessa! Hope you stop by again soon!
DeleteGreat post
ReplyDeletexx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Ive never seen one before .. I hope one day i get to see it envelope the sky
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other on GFC?
Please let me know on my blog and I will follow back as soon as possible!
Glowyshoes's blog
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These were some really good tips, I do love going out stargazing :)
ReplyDeleteRosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Such a beautiful photo! Great tips!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of shooting stars i did see one last night , i really enjoyed reading these tips . Thanks for sharing,and hope your week is going well.
ReplyDeletewww.stylenbeautylounge.com
Amazing <3
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