The Perseid meteor shower is the northern hemisphere’s best summer meteor shower and it will peak on August 13. But, this year, you’ll have to fight a full moon to get a good view.

EarthSky.org recommends the following:

  • Start watching now. Although the showers peak on August 13 you can still see plenty of showers if you are in a dark location.
  • Watch on August 9 and 10 just before dawn as the moon will set a few hours before sunrise.
  • No matter what day you watch, your best vewing time will be from about 2 a.m. till dawn.

Barring cloud cover, EarthSky touts before dawn on August 10 as the best viewing night.

Can’t make the Perseids? Check out EarthSky’s meteor shower guide for 2011.

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