The dazzling Perseids approach August 12-13. The best annual meteor shower is set to be a show with a new moon for dark viewing opportunities—weather permitting.

Though sometimes referred to as shooting stars, meteors aren’t stars at all. In fact, they are small, broken pieces of comets, asteroids, or even the Moon and other planets. Before entering our atmosphere, these particles are called meteoroids. They all share a common origin story dating back to the tumultuous formation of our solar system 4.6 billion years ago. Every Perseid meteor is a tiny piece of the comet Swift-Tuttle, which swings by the Sun every 135 years! And when one of those meteoroids gets close to our atmosphere and burns up, the bright streak it leaves behind is what we know as a meteor or a “shooting star.” So, while asteroids and comets are the larger, ancient voyagers holding the secrets of our solar system’s past, meteors are the fiery, fleeting messengers delivering cosmic dust right to our doorstep!

Spotting a meteor doesn’t require special equipment, just your eyes and a good viewing spot away from as much ambient light as possible. After 10:00 PM, it will be dark enough for viewing in Moab, though the show will peak in the early morning hours. Just head to an open area away from city lights, trees and buildings. Bring a red light to help with safe walking while preserving your night vision and give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness. Then, look up. The show will be coming from the northeast near the constellation Perseus, though they may appear anywhere in the sky. Escape the summer heat for one of the best shows of the season!