General Question

chungwu's avatar

What is the best place to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Asked by chungwu (9points) August 10th, 2010
7 responses
“Great Question” (1points)

I’m in the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, and am looking for a place to watch the Perseid meteor shower this week. What’s the best place to be within an hour’s drive?

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Answers

YARNLADY's avatar

Mount Diablo

Rarebear's avatar

This Saturday, the Mount Diablo Astronomy Society is having a public night on Mount Diablo. I’m a member of the club, but haven’t gone to the top of the mountain in awhile—so I’m not sure how late people will be there. But @YARNLADY is right, it’s a terrific place to go. It’s a little far for you to drive, though, if you live in the South Bay.

Best thing to do is find a clear night and a dark location with a wide view. Get a good jacket, and plan to stay up until 3 or 4 in the morning as the meteors are best after midnight. (There’s a reason for this, can you think of why?)

Nullo's avatar

Bair Island, perhaps. The San Carlos Mountains might also be good.
But yeah, go hang out with the MDAS and @Rarebear.

Rarebear's avatar

There may be an astronomy society in the South Bay also. I can ask for you if you want.

Rarebear's avatar

It actually will be a good year to watch the Perseids as there won’t be much of a moon.

WestRiverrat's avatar

Do you have access to an ocean going boat? Take a cruise off shore. The further you can get from the lights the better to see the meteor shower. Heck SF is big enough you might even be able to find a cruise to see the showers.

Rarebear's avatar

@WestRiverrat Problem is in San Francisco there ALWAYS is a marine cloud layer that comes in at night.

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