Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
The 'Most Popular' Meteor Shower Is Coming & Here Are Your NYC Viewing Tips
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 3, 2016
Modified Aug 3, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 3, 2016
Modified Aug 3, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Last year's perseid meteor shower... over Nevada. (Getty)
There's a massive perseid meteor shower coming to the skies, but as New Yorkers we must accept this kind of information alongside the knowledge that we may never see it. Our city lights, you see, are too big and bright. The bubble we live in shields us from the mediocrity outside of the five boroughs, but it also blocks our view of the spectacular things the universe has to offer.
So anyway, this meteor shower is coming SOON, and we wanted to know what our chances of seeing it would be. We reached out to the American Museum of Natural History, where Jackie Faherty, a research associate in the Museum’s Department of Astrophysics, gave us some insight.
WHAT are the perseids?
The Perseids are one of the most popular meteor showers to watch. It's summer, it's nice out and they usually put on a great show. This year will be particularly good because they are in outburst, so we will have nearly double the usual number.
WHEN are the perseids?
The peak should be between August 9th to 13th, and it looks like August 12th will be the highest number day.
HOW will I see the perseids in NYC?
For NYC viewers I have a few recommendations: First when you see numbers like "200 meteors per hour" thats for the darkest skies in the U.S. That will be the number possible to see, but in NYC we only see the brightest fireballs. So you can expect much lower numbers... but don't get down because if you are patient you will see them. Second, the moon will be a hindrance. Unfortunately the full moon is August 18th, so unless you want to stay up super late, earlier in August will be better than later. On August 12th moonset is 12:53 a.m., August 11th it's 12:16 a.m. You will have a much better chance of seeing the meteors once the moon is gone.
WHERE should I view the perseids from in NYC?
The darkest spot is a great option, but a not as dark spot with a huge swath of sky that you can see is better. I usually recommend rooftops for city dwellers. Try to look at the darkest area of the sky that you can see from a rooftop and just wait. 30 minutes at a minimum. The longer you are out there the better. Also, don't get discouraged if you don't see anything right away. Astronomy is a long game, not a short one.
The key to this whole meteor shower thing is patience, so follow the above instructions and prepare to settle in for a bit. Maybe put on some classic rock and recreate Laser Floyd out in the open air. Or just watch it on your laptop inside like a real New Yorker—NASA will be streaming it.
Tagged
amnh
meteor shower
perseid meteor shower
original
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
What do you see when you record the whole of the boroughs?
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 5, 2026
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
Arts & Entertainment
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
It's a busy month at the branches.
By
Alec Hamilton
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
By
Hank Shteamer
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .