Eyes to the skies folks, the Perseid meteor shower will return to the night sky this month. This meteor shower is one of the best parts of summer and is a great way to spend a warm evening. Let’s get into the dazzling details.
This year’s shower will fly overhead from July 14th until September 1st according to EarthSky. It is expected to peak sometime between August 11th-13th this year with the 13th being the most likely date. If you’re lucky you could see up to 100 meteors per hour.
The best time to catch these showers is between midnight and dawn so get ready to have a late night. If you’re normally early to bed, remember that these showers only happen once a year, so it’s worth staying up to watch. And to make things easier for you, here are some of the best places to watch the meteor showers in Seattle.
Alki Beach
Surprisingly, Seattle’s favorite beach also happens to be one of the best spots in the city for stargazing. You’ll want to look North and West to avoid some of the light pollution from the city. Plus, if you don’t end up seeing anything, a night on the beach is always nice but we think you’ll definitely catch a meteor or two.
Where: 2665 Alki Ave SW
Lincoln Park
On the topic of West Seattle, you can also give Lincoln Park a go. This massive park is great as you have plenty of space to get away from the city’s bright lights. Walk down by the water or lay in one of the many open areas or try both. If it doesn’t work for you, give Alki a try instead.
Where: 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Jefferson Park
You might think we’re a little crazy for this one because this park is smack dab in the middle of Beacon Hill. But we like Jefferson due to its size. Because it’s pretty big you get slightly less light pollution, although it’s certainly not perfect. But if you live in South Seattle, it’s one of your best bets.
Where: 3801 Beacon Ave S
Genesee Park and Playfield
On the topic of South Seattle, you might as well consider checking out Genesee. The park is pretty much a wide-open field but across Lake Washington Boulevard you’ll find the Stan Sayres Boat Launch. Sure, there are lights here but it’s slightly darker due to the residential area and lake. So it can’t hurt to give it a go.
Where: 4316 S Genesee St
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Paramount Park
Alright, don’t chew us out for this one. Yes, Paramount Park is technically in Shoreline but if you live in north Seattle it’s really not far at all. Because it’s pretty far north you get less light pollution from downtown. So take a little drive and forget that you’re still kinda in the city.
Where: 15300 8th Ave NE
Sunset Hill Park
We love this park for many things, including stargazing. It’s also the best spot to make an evening out of stargazing because you can bring a picnic and wait for the sky to darken up. Plus if you don’t see anything, you still get to enjoy a spectacular view of Puget Sound.
Where: 7531 34th Ave NW
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park may be right in the middle of the city but it’s a great spot to catch a view of a meteor flying over the skyline. Now keep in mind light pollution is pretty bad here so it won’t be the best. But if you’re a fan of this park you might as well see what you see.
Where: 2101 N Northlake Way
Green Lake
North Seattle folks we’re looking at you, Green Lake is a great place to take a look at the sky while staying within the city. It’s not the darkest spot but there are plenty of places to check out within the park and it’s pretty accessible due to the paved path. Plus the park is technically open past 11:30 so no need to worry about getting busted.
Where: 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
Well Seattle, there you have it. We hope that you get out there and watch the Perseid meteor shower do its thing this month.
