The Perseid Meteor shower is expected to peak this Sunday the 13th – but you’ll most likely see streaks of light tonight and tomorrow from the dust and debris from the Swift-Tuttle Comet which last passed by earth in 1992.
Those tiny particles are what we can thank for the spectacular show that is promised this year. Not only is the weather supposed to stay clear – but the waning moon will be just a sliver so the skies will be almost as dark as they can be for the meteor shower – which in years past has numbed in the hundreds per hour.
We are heading into a weekend, which is always busier for the hi desert. However this weekend is expected to be extra full with stargazers seeking a patch of dark sky to catch the show.
Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park are almost certainly sold out – that’s a common occurrence on a non-special weekend – and traffic in and out of the park is expected to increase as locals and visitors alike are looking to get away from neighborhoods and towns to keep light pollution at a minimum.
The National Park does have two popular designated dark night sky viewing areas. Quail Springs and Cap Rock both have larger parking lots and open views of the night sky.
National Park Ranger Sasha Travaglio says that park rangers will be present this weekend and in the evenings. If you are entering the park and dusk or after the sun has dropped – pay attention to speed limits and keep your eyes on the road until you find a spot to stop and stargaze – summer months are extra active for wildlife after the heat of the day dissipates, and you may find more reptiles on the roads like snakes and lizards – not to mention coyotes out looking for an evening snack.
There is also no cell service or water available in the park.
Wherever you choose to get a glimpse of the celestial glitter that will be raining down on the Morongo Basin this weekend – be safe, have fun and remember that our dark skies are a privilege that most people in the world don’t get to experience.
Keep those light levels low down here on earth so that everyone can continue to enjoy the free nightly shows taking place above us.
