great places to catch a falling star
Great Places to Catch a Falling Star
Tired of boring routine life, how about a date with the stars? Treat you eyes to a show that's undoubtedly divine. Let Buzzle guide you to the best places to enjoy some of the biggest celestial parties.
Good luck with catching one...
On an average night, expect to witness an hourly appearance of a dozen sporadic shooting stars.
When a comet orbits the Sun, it leaves a trail of debris behind. When the Earth travels through this stream, we witness a spike in the number of meteor showers that are also known as falling stars. The debris that is moving at relatively high speeds ignite when they come in contact with the Earth's upper atmosphere, making them seem like shooting stars.
Several times each year, we witness these splendid celestial displays that seem to radiate from a common point, known as a radiant. This point is named after the constellation that coincides with that particular region of the sky. For you as an observer, the radiant will have to be perfectly overhead or in other words be visible over the local horizon to enjoy this celestial event. For instance, to enjoy the Leonids, you would have to travel to the Northern horizon where the constellation Leo rises.
Are you ready to partake in a celestial party which boasts of a mesmerizing display? Well, then get out your tents, recliners and grab a few warm clothes and get away from the lights and sounds of the city. To witness the celebration of the skies you need to get to some place that boasts of darkened solitude. It's time to get star struck...
Shooting Stars Calendar
Lake Tahoe
Check in at the Squaw Valley ski resort sitting pretty at 8200 feet, to enjoy the celestial event. You can also hike the upper mountain peaks to get a better view of the Perseid in its element.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Clear skies, sparse population, and low humidity makes this place a must visit to watch the heavenly show. You can also head to the observatory to witness a splendid show.
Cherry Springs State Park
The ultimate heaven for East Coasters, the Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, Pennsylvania is the place to be, to catch falling stars the year-round. Famed for being a dark nest, this retreat will prove to be beneficial for you in more ways than one. Remember to carry your own resources to sustain the celestial party.
Joshua Tree National Park
Despite the air traffic in the area, you are sure to enjoy the peaking Perseid at the Joshua Tree National Park. Check out the camping options at Ryan Campground, Black Rock and Cottonwood campgrounds for the night.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Want a more adventurous treat? Drive down to the Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy the show 12,000 feet above sea level. If nothing else, you are sure to enjoy the drive through the Trail Ridge Road.
Grand Canyon
Whether you are down by the river or higher up in the canyon, you are in for a treat. The benefit of heading here, is the fact that you will get to witness an amplified show. Here, even the smallest streaks of falling stars are sure to keep you engrossed all through the night.
Apart from the places enlisted above, you can head to Lake Michigan, bound within the Indiana Dunes State Park, to watch the pleasant outburst. Then there are also deserts and secluded coasts to choose from, to catch a falling star. Do get there before time and get adequate rest the night before, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.