One of the year’s best meteor showers, the Perseids, is just days away!  Astronomers and enthusiasts across the world are getting ready by sharing skywatching tips, planning local observing parties, and even hosting global virtual events.

My favorite Perseids events are AFM*Radio‘s live call-in updates and Adrian West’s Twitter #Meteorwatch.  Both were fantastic successes last year, and we’re expecting even greater participation next week.  This year, AFM*Radio will feature fun Perseids radio promos and live observing reports from the UBS crew in England; meanwhile, #Meteorwatch coordinators are already encouraging participation through Twitter conversation and that very cool video, above.

We encourage everyone to make a point to experience the Perseids.  Visual observations require only a clear sky and comfortable setting.  Audio observations (yes, we can “hear” meteors) require only a computer and an internet connection.

There are many ways to participate and share.  You can post your pictures and meteor counts on Twitter, by including the #meteorwatch hashtag with your tweets; you can submit formal observation reports to the International Meteor Organization; you can post to your FaceBook page; or you can simply share with your friends and family.

If you’re new to the Perseids, this shower appears to originate from the constellation Perseus, which rises on your NE horizon at about 11pm local time.  The best time to experience most meteor showers is in the hours between 2am and dawn, local time.  However, with this year’s Perseid maximum being due between 1830 UT August 12 and 0700 UT August 13, earlier observations (beginning around midnight) are suggested for the Americas.  Of course, Perseids aren’t limited to those maximum rate hours, so be sure to watch for them in the nights just before and after peak night.  This year’s peak rate predictions are set at around 100 zhr, but most observers will likely see far less.

If your skies are too cloudy or too light-polluted to “see” the Perseids, you can try “hearing” their radar pings as they travel through the Earth’s atmosphere.  This is actually a fun way to experience a meteor shower and you can still submit meteor counts and share the experience with others!

However you choose to participate, remember to be safe, comfortable, and patient!  Be sure to check out our Fun Perseids Facts, below, and the American Meteor Society’s Observing Basics, here.  You might also enjoy this Time article, dated 1926, or these real-sky images, from last year’s event.  And don’t forget to tune in to AFM*Radio to catch those fun Perseids promos!