Star Gazing Tips: How to Spot a Meteor Shower

I'm an avid stargazer. I think the stars, constellations, planets, and other heavenly sights are just awesome to see in the night sky. Meteors- or "shooting or falling stars" as they are otherwise called- are a real prize to spot since they aren't that common.

Before we find out some tips on how you can spot a meteor shower, let's find out what a meteor is and where they come from. A meteor is a small fragment of a meteoroid. A meteoroid, in turn, is a piece of an asteroid or a comet. A comet can be defined as a "celestial conglomeration that moves in a circular pattern around the sun." Every time a comet orbits the sun, many fragments fall away from it. These fragments spread out and form a stream of meteoroids. When the orbit of the earth and the orbit of the comet run together, we can see the streams, or, meteor showers. What we actually see from earth are quick flashes of brilliant lights in the sky.

Although November usually gives us the best light shows, you can see these meteor showers anytime of the year. To spot a meteor shower, here's an important tip: choose a clear, cloudless night. Watch the weather or check the Internet to find out what night the moon will be in its last crescent. This way, the moonlight won't illuminate the sky that much, and you'll be able to see more. To try and see a meteor shower in the early evening, wait until the sun has completely gone down. Actually, though, the ideal time to spot a meteor shower is in the darkness right before the sun rises.

Here are some additional tips for the best viewing: if you live in or near a city, you'll need to travel to a rural location away from bright lights. The brilliant lights of a shower will show better against a dark sky. You'll also need to find a spot of land that has a clear view of the night sky without trees, leaves, and other obstructions in the way. Take your sleeping bag with you so you can lie on the ground and be comfortable. Or, if the ground is wet or rocky, you can take a cot or a chaise lounge to lie on instead.

For early evening viewing, begin by watching the horizon. As the night gets later, meteor showers tend to be seen higher up in the sky.