This April, three different meteor showers will put on their shows for the Space Coast. Knowing when, where, and how to watch the skies will enable you to catch a glimpse of shooting stars this spring.
~ PLAN TO WATCH
for a few hours around midnight. It will take your eyes up to a half an hour to adjust to the dark, and the longer you watch, the more likely it is you’ll see a meteor.
~ HEAD TO THE BEACH
to avoid city lights or tall buildings interfering with your view.
~ YOU HAVE THE BEST CHANCE
of seeing a meteor as it passes if you observe the darkest spots in the sky.
~ PHONE CAMERAS
can’t capture the breathtaking experience of a shooting star as well as your own eyes can. Skip the Snapchat and leave your phone inside.
~INVITE
family, friends, and neighbors to join you in a stargazing party. Ask your guests to bring their own blankets, reclining outdoor chairs, telescopes, and binoculars. Tell them you’ll provide the hot cocoa (if you’re watching at midnight, espresso couldn’t hurt, either).
~ HEAD TO THE BEACH
to avoid city lights or tall buildings interfering with your view.
~ YOU HAVE THE BEST CHANCE
of seeing a meteor as it passes if you observe the darkest spots in the sky.
EYES ON THE SYY
APR. 7-18, PEAKS ON APR. 12: Virginids
Watch 10-90 degrees above the southeast horizon. Since the moon will be a quarter of the way full, its light will make it slightly harder to see meteors.
APR. 16 - 28, PEAKS ON APR. 23: Lyrids
Watch the area from the northeast horizon to 70 degrees above the horizon. The moon will be close to full, so its strong light might impede your view of meteors.
APR. 20-MAY 19, PEAKS ON APR. 28: Scorpiids
Watch the area from the southeast horizon up to 70 degrees above the horizon. The waning moon will present little interference with the view of the meteor showers on this night.
Heather Motro
In addition to writing and serving as Assistant Managing Editor for Space Coast Magazines, Heather Motro writes the sustainability blog The Blergh, manages social media for the Marine Resources Council and was co-Editor-in-Chief of Holy Trinity High School’s award-winning yearbook, The Tigrium. She is a member of Clemson University Honors College Class of ’24 (go Tigers!).
