There's An Incredible Meteor Shower Happening This Summer And Clevelanders Have A Front Row Seat
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 27, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Nothing is quite as magical as experiencing a meteor shower in Greater Cleveland. Believe it or not, this is an annual occurrence in Northeast Ohio, and it actually takes place a few times a year. One of the most magical astronomical events to experience is the Perseid meteor shower, as it takes place when the weather is warm and perfect for stargazing. It’s the best time to lay a blanket on the grass and gaze up at the night sky, as unrivaled beauty is about to unfold before you. Keep your eyes on the sky, as streaks of light are about to transform it into a scene full of movement.
If you find yourself in Downtown Cleveland at night, you may be very familiar with light pollution.
By referencing a light pollution map, it's plain to see that Cleveland's coast is bright. Light pollution is a simple, yet gut-wrenching, concept. Human-made artificial light can reflect off the atmosphere and back toward the ground, which makes it hard to see the stars. Sadly, this side effect of industrialization is the reason many historic Cleveland observatories are abandoned.
However, the suburbs offer a much better view of the stars... especially on clear summer nights!
I'm a casual star-watcher, and I've made it a goal to star watch during the year's finest meteor showers. The suburbs often suffer from a bit of light pollution, but not to the same extent as the busiest parts of Cleveland. This photo was snapped in my own backyard, and you can even see the pink glow and vague heart-shaped outline of the Orion Nebula in the center-left bottom of the image. Spending a bit of time in your backyard on pleasant summer nights can be magical, especially when the Perseids spring into action.
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The best time to backyard stargaze is during the annual Perseid meteor shower, which spans from July to August.
This annual event begins around July 17, and it has captivated humans for thousands of years. Some Catholics call these the "tears of Saint Lawrence" since their peak aligns with the saint's martyrdom, and modern-day storytellers like John Denver have immortalized the meteor shower in song.
While the meteor shower begins in July, it reaches peak around mid-August.
At peak, stargazers may see some 150 meteors per hour streaking across the sky. If you miss the peak shower, no worries... the Perseid meteor shower continues until late August, so you'll have plenty of time to wish upon a shooting star throughout July and August.
If you're hoping to see the Perseid meteor shower in Greater Cleveland, there are a few places you can go to experience its pure majesty.
Letha House Park West, Richman Rd, Spencer, OH 44275, USA
Out in Medina, the charming and remote Letha House Observatory lets enthusiasts get as close to the stars as possible. Operated by the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association (CAA), it's open to the public on select dates. You can visit in July and August for a chance to attend a Star Party and gaze through a telescope.
At Letha House, red lights allow your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness so you can see the stars.
I've found that the folks at CAA are highly welcoming to visitors, and they're eager to show you their favorite sights in the night sky. At roughly 50 minutes from Cleveland, this countryside observatory offers a great way to see the stars.
Alternatively, you might consider heading out to the remote and beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) to watch the meteor shower.
Sections of CVNP are open at night, and they offer an incredible way to see the night sky away from the busy city lights. Isolated and beautiful, the park feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Rust Belt. Remember to bring a buddy anywhere you go at night... it doubles the safety, and it also allows you to experience the breathtaking splendor of the Perseids with a friend!
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Wherever you decide to go to watch the meteor shower, remember to keep your eyes on the sky on July and August nights.
If you've never seen a "shooting star," then you haven't spent enough time under the night sky! This summer (and the summer after that, and the summer after that...), be sure to budget time to see the annual meteor shower.
Nothing is more magical to experience than the Perseid meteor shower in Greater Cleveland.
Mark your calendar, because natural splendor awaits you.
Experiencing the annual Perseid meteor shower in Greater Cleveland is a treat like no other. Mark your calendars, or budget a few days to spend some time outside this summer. You never know what you’ll see… but you can expect a shooting star or two to keep you company.
Are you a fan of natural wonders? Take the Natural Wonders Road Trip through and beyond Greater Cleveland to experience the finest creations of Mother Nature in the area.
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