Summertime in Los Angeles means outdoor movies, beach days and—for those Joshua Tree-loving stargazers out there—a chance to catch the most incredible meteor shower of the year. While the closest thing to stargazing in Los Angeles is often a celebrity spotting, for one fantastical weekend in August, the city sky illuminates with countless shooting stars for the annual Perseid meteor shower.
Starting around 10pm on Sunday, August 12 through early Monday morning, you can look to the skies and expect roughly 60 to 70 meteors to soar through the atmosphere every hour. The incredible streaks of light occur as the Earth passes through a tiny debris trail from Comet Swift-Tuttle. This year is predicted to be especially spectacular with less illumination from the new moon.
Want to take things up a notch? Head to a spot void of city lights or haze from nearby wildfires and make sure to look northeast towards the constellation Perseus where the meteors appear to descend. For prime viewing, here are the top five places to catch the best meteor shower of the year in and around Los Angeles.
1. Joshua Tree
Experience the celestial event in all its glory in the wilderness of Joshua Tree. The lack of city lights, unique landscapes and open skies will provide the perfect viewing location for a night under the stars—er, meteors.
2. Mount Wilson
Head up to the San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest for a view above the clouds. The high vantage point should get you above the haze and some of the light pollution; the dark surroundings make for a great stargazing experience.
For those in the South Bay, make your way to the cliffs or hilltops of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. With hopes that it’s not overcast, you can get an incredible view of the skies with an ocean backdrop. Set a course for Point Vicente, where you should find some of the area’s darkest skies.
If you’ve ever driven through the Santa Monica Mountains, you know it can get pretty dark—not the best for late-night driving, but great for stargazing. Bring out your blankets or jackets and find a safe spot to pull over (give Paramount Ranch a try) and catch the show.
5. Moorpark College Observatory
Join fellow stargazing enthusiasts at Moorpark College Observatory for a meteor shower party helmed by the Ventura County Astronomical Society. Kick off the night with a quick lesson on meteors, then bring out your lawn chairs on the observation deck and look to the skies for a free, unforgettable event.
If you can’t make it out to these locations, check In The Sky or Time And Date for viewing tips in your area.