Delta Aquarids, Perseids: Best Spots In Texas For Meteor Showers

AUSTIN, TX — Summer meteor showers are firing up, yielding nature's spectacle of lights high up in the night sky. And the show's something of a double feature running through August, with the Perseid meteor shower overlapping with the Delta Aquarids.

The problem is finding a dark-enough spot in which to watch the celestial show. Enter the Texas Parks & Wildlife to list some of the best place in Texas to watch and marvel.

To extend the show analogy further, think of the Delta Aquarid as the dress rehearsal to the highly anticipated, main feature that is the Perseid meteor shower for which sky-watching parties are being organized across the landscape below.

Both showers overlap in early August, and both events are already active. The Delta Aquarids, which officially started July 12 and run through Aug. 23, favor the Southern Hemisphere, but the show is still visible from mid-northern latitudes. Both peak here around Sunday, July 28, producing some 10 to 20 meteors an hour. What's more, the approaching new moon on July 31-Aug. 1, will make for optimum viewing conditions.

The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn, regardless of time zone.

If the meteor showers are the show, the sky is the screen. Unfortunately, some of those heavenly screens are better suited to project the action than others. Texas Parks & Wildlife officials report that night skies are fading as natural darkness disappears: "An estimated 80 percent of Americans have never seen the Milky Way," state parks officials wrote on their website. The culprit: The growing glow of artificial lights.

But there's an effective workaround. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department has partnered with the McDonald Observatory, the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and local astronomy groups to promote stargazing in our state parks.

"We hope to raise awareness of preserving night skies with star parties, self-guided constellation tours and light pollution education programs," officials wrote. "In addition, we are reviewing our own lighting, and making changes to protect the night skies over our parks."

Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Copper Breaks and South Llano River state parks are IDA Dark Sky Parks, while Devils River is an IDA Dark Sky Sanctuary, officials noted.

Through the showers' run, The Perseids, which began July 17 and last through Aug. 24, will likely produce about 10-15 visible meteors per hour because the moon will be very close to full during the peak dates, from around Aug.11-13. For optimum effect officials at Earthsky advise star-gazers to start watching for the Perseids in the pre-dawn hours from Friday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 11. On those dates, there will be more moon-free viewing time than during the peak dates, astronomers noted.

It's a summertime favorite that shouldn't be missed. Texas Parks & Wildlife officials have listed some of the best places to fix one's gaze heavenward, and enjoy the show. Below is a list of star-gazing events scheduled this summer.

JULY 2019

• July 31: New Moon Stargazing. Join Ranger Pick for a night of stargazing, stories, and planetary exploration. Visitors are welcome to bring their own binoculars and telescopes, but it is not required. Be sure to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, snacks and Something to sit on. Location: Huntsville State Park, Old Equestrian stables. Time: 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is a single occurrence of a repeating event. View all dates. Map & directions. Contact: Ted Pick at (936) 355 - 9275 or ted.pick@tpwd.texas.gov

AUGUST 2019

• Aug. 1: Hike-In Star Party. Take a 1/4-mile night hike to a star viewing area. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on (something you don't mind carrying down a trail). Take a walk on the starry side on the darkest night of the month. Meet up in the parking lot at Palmetto State Park's historic CCC Refectory. Participants will walk approximately 1/4 mile of trail to the viewing location and then back again. Please bring a flashlight, a telescope if you have one and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on (something you don't mind carrying down a trail with you). The group will walk to the long boardwalk on the Mesquite Flats trail and view the stars through a telescope. This program is free with regular admission to the park. ($3.00 for adults, children under 13 are free). Location: Palmetto State Park. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Liz Palfini at (830) 672-3266 or liz.palfini@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 3: Star party. Join rangers as they guide explorations of the night sky with telescopes while sharing stories about the stars. No flashlights allowed, only red lights to protect night vision. Staff will be able to loan out red light filters for flashlights on a limited basis. Follow signs for parking once you arrive in the park and we will be set up near the Nature Center parking lot. Location: Fort Parker State Park. Time 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Amanda Zumwalt (254) 562-5751 or via email at amanda.zumwalt@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 3: Starrytelling. This will be a night under the stars at Copper Breaks State Park, which is designated as an International Dark Sky. Participants will take a closer look at some of the constellations, what they mean to us and the stories behind them. This program subject to cancellation depending on weather. Participants should bring a camp chair, and dress for the weather. Contact the park office for more information at (940) 839-4331. Location: Big Pond Campground. Time: 8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Event is free with park entrance fee. Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.
• Aug. 3: Stargazing the Texas Night Sky. Observe stars, planets and constellation through the park telescopes while learning about constellations and basic astronomy. This is a come and go event. Come by any time between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Location: Lone Star Amphitheater in Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX, 76067. Time: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The program is free with paid park entrance fee or a State Park Pass. Contact: David Owens(940) 328-1171 ext 227 or david.owens@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 3: Starry Night. Dress for the weather, bring water, bring camp chairs or blankets for sky viewing. Meet at the the Wolfberry Day Use Area, park with headlights away from central. No fee for this program. Regular park entrance fee applies ($8 per adult, kids 12 and under are free). You can reserve your day pass and even print it ahead of time by clicking here. You can also read details on Facebook. Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Time: 9:30 p.m. Contact: Lindsay Pannell at (806) 488-2227, extension 2067 or lindsay.pannell@tpwd.texas.gov. This is a single occurrence of a repeating event. View all dates. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 4: Starry-Eyed and Star-Crossed. Learn about stars through storytelling. Participants will create star maps and learn to navigate the skies. Then, those participating will act out stories of constellations seen from the park, including: a starry-eyed story, a star-crossed story, and the story of our stars. After that, participants will name their own constellations and discover how we are all stars. Participants should bring their own water, weather-appropriate clothing, blankets/pillows, chairs and red flashlights/light pens. Park programs are open to the public and free with park entrance fee ($5 per persons ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are always free! Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.). No need to register -- just show up!Location: Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit. Time: 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Bianca Banda at (903) 395- 3100 or via email at bianca.banda@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 10: Perseids Meteor Shower 2019. The Group Primitive Camping area has been reserved for this annual event. Attendees should bring something comfortable to sit on, some snacks and some bug spray. Then, just relax and look upward for the celestial show. Pre-registration is not required but those wishing to attend are asked to fill out a Self Pay Envelope and write "Star gazing" so they know who is attending. Fees have been waived for this event from 8 p.m. until 9:45 p.m. "...so please feel free to come out for a relaxing evening watching the stars," officials said. Please remember the park gates close at 10 p.m. Location: Lake Tawakoni State. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Maria Shipley(903) 560-7123maria.shipley@tpwd.texas.gov. Get park map & directions.
• Aug. 10: Star Party with San Antonio Astronomical Association. Join the San Antonio Astronomical Association for an evening of stargazing, both with the naked eye and through telescopes. Cloud coverage could cancel this program so check the park’s Facebook page by 4 p.m. on the day of the event, or call the park the day of the event for updates. This event will be staged at the large overflow parking lot (just up the road from the day use area. Note: Start time varies depending on the time of year. Time listed is for July Star Party. Organizers will update this listing each month for the latest time. Note: Park programs are free with a Texas State Parks pass or park entrance fee ($7 per person ages 13 and up, kids 12 and under are always free). Another note: On busy weekends in spring and summer, the park often reaches day use capacity and will close, not re-opening until 4 p.m. If you are coming out for the day on a weekend, organizers recommend that everyone, including annual pass holders "save the date” online ahead of time, done up to 30 days in advance with a credit card, or via annual Park Pass: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/. Location: Guadalupe River State Park. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Holly Platz at (830) 214-3635 or via email at the address holly.platz@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 10: Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing. Join the Big Country Master Naturalists for a night of stargazing. Check the weather and official Facebook event page. Organizers will meet participants at the the soccer field across from the swimming pool. Red lights only, so as not to interfere with the night vision of other guests, organizers request. Entrance fees will be waived for this event. Click here for more information. Location: Abilene State Park. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 11: 30 p.m. Contact: Candyce Johnson at (325) 267-4871 or via email at candyce.johnson@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions. Candyce Johnson.
• Aug: 10: Stargazing - Perseid Meteor Shower. Special star-gazing event where participants will watch for meteors; peer through a telescope at stars, planets, and galaxies; and learn the constellations that mark our summer sky. This program is weather permitting (at least 60 percent of the sky must be free of clouds). Attendees are asked to bring a blanket or chair and insect repellent, if desired. When entering the park, attendees should pass the day-use area, drive over the bridge and park along the road. Continue to walk up the road until you find the golf cart path on your right. Meet the organizers on the No. 1 green of our golf course. Just look for our red lights.Regular park entrance fees apply ($3/adult, free for children 12 & under). Location: Lockhart State Park. Time: 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Contact: Chris Dooleyat (512) 398-3479 chris.dooley@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 13: Meteor Shower. Learn what meteor showers are and how best to spot them. Organizers will lead games to celebrate before discussing the myriad space objects one can see in the dark park skies, the meteoroids’ radiant while enjoying the meteor shower. The meet-up point will be at the boat ramp. Attendees should bring thei own water and dress weather-appropriate. Park programs are open to the public and free with park entrance fee ($5 per persons ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are always free! Park entry free with Texas State Park Pass.). No need to register -- just show up! Lo Contact: Location: Cooper Lake State Park, Doctors Creek Unit. Time: 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Contact: Bianca Banda at (903) 395-3100 or via email at bianca.banda@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 15: Full Moon Hike. Meet up in the parking lot at Palmetto State Park's historic CCC Refectory. Participants will explore the trails of Palmetto State Park and enjoy the peaceful swamp environment under the cool light of the moon. Participants should bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe shoes. This program is free with regular admission to the park. ($3.00 for adults, children under 13 are free). Location: Palmetto State Park. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Liz Palfini at (830) 672-3266 or at liz.palfini@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 15: Full Moon to Moon Snails. Join Ranger Kathy on a cool evening stroll on the beach in the warm glow of the full moon. Park permit is required by utilizing self-pay. Entrance fee is $3 per person age 13 and above, children 12 and under are free. Need: Flashlight (red lens preferred), closed-toed shoes, water, insect repellent and a beach towel to sit on. Location: Sea Rim State Park. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Contact: Glenda Rutherford (409) 971-2559, extension 222 glenda.rutherford@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 15: Full Moon Hike. This hike will take attendees up the Summit Trail to the top of Enchanted Rock. Participants will meet at the gazebo before embarking on this hike that takes around two hours for the 1.5-mile round trip. The level of difficulty given to this hike is "challenging," given an elevation gain of 425 feet. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring: Walking shoes; flashlight (preferably with a red light option); drinking water (suggested at least 1.5 liters per person). Entrance fee the park is $7 per person (children 12 and under are free), and there are no additional fee to attend this program. Entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. Location: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Contact: Jessica DeBoer (830) 685-3636. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 23: Stories in the Stars. A park ranger will share constellation stories for 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of looking through our high-powered telescope. If you go, plan on arriving early to pay, park and set up in the viewing area. Stories begin promptly at 9 p.m. after attendees meet on Knights Bluff (just look for the ranger's red light). If you go, wear closed-toe shoes, take drinking water and flashlight (for walking to the viewing area). Don’t forget to put on bug spray before you come out. The event cost is included in park entry fees ($3 per person ages 13 and older, 12 and under are free). No need to register, just show up! Programs subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Cancellations will be announced on Atlanta State Park Facebook page or you can call Park HQ. Location: Atlanta State Park. Time: 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Kelsey Johnson (903) 578-0160 or via email at kelsey.johnson@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 24: Sun and Stars Hike. Catch sunset from the top of the Rock and stay up to see some stars. "As an International Dark Sky Park, Enchanted Rock boasts some of the darkest skies in this part of Texas, which means the stars at night ARE big and bright deep in the heart of Texas," organizers wrote. "We will be bare-eye stargazing." Participants will meet at the gazebo for this 2 1/2-hour hike encompassing 1.5 miles. The hike is categorized as "challenging," with an elevation gain of 425 feet. Participants should bring.
  • Good hiking/walking shoes.
  • Drinking water.
  • Dress for the weather.
  • Flashlight (preferably with a red lens option; mainly for walk back to vehicle/campsite).
  Entrance fee for the park is $7 per person (children 12 and under are free), with no additional fee to attend this program. Entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. No flashlights or cell phones are allowed during this event (it can take 20 to 30 minutes for eyes to adjust from bright light to darkness, organizers note). Red-tinted lights are permitted. Location: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Time: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Contact: Jessica DeBoer at (830) 685-3636 or jessica.deboer@twpd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 24: Star Party. "The stars at night are big and bright!" organizers wrote. "Come see them even better with expert and amateur astronomers alike!" The Austin Astronomical Society will have multiple telescopes available to visitors at the Star Theater, and all participants need to do is take along their own chairs. "We are located far enough away from major light sources that we'll be able to see multiple planets, constellations and even the Milky Way (weather permitting)," organizers asserted. If you bring a flashlight, make sure it's a red light or has a red filter on it. Normal lights can mess up your natural night vision and interfere with the telescopes. No lights or cell phones once you enter the viewing area. "Each time you look at your cell phone or a blueish light you lose your night vision for up to 40 minutes. This makes it very hard to see the stars even with a telescope!" organizers explained. Dogs will NOT be allowed in the viewing area, but are allowed in the parking lot. No smoking in the viewing area. Smoking allowed in the parking lot. Many of the telescopes are owned and operated by these astronomers, so please don't touch the equipment unless it's okay with them. "Walk on up to any of the scopes and ask what they're looking at!" organizers said. "They'll all be happy to share." Normal entrance fees apply to enter the park, and no additional fees to attend the event. Pay your entrance fees and get your day pass from home! If arriving after 7 pm and paying with cash, exact change is required at the self-pay station at the Headquarters building. Location: Pedernales Falls State Park. Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Contact: Stephen Garmon at (830) 868-7304 or via email at stephen.garmon@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 24: Star Party in the Park. This program is free, but applicable park entry fees are required. Entry is free for everyone in the vehicle with a Texas State Park Pass. Participants will meet at the picnic area across from the site's Recreation Hall. Participants should bring something to sit on, snacks and water or other non-alcoholic beverages (if desired). Bring along binoculars and telescopes if you like. Red light flashlights are perfect for this event. Guests arriving after office hours should use the self-pay station and bring exact change to place in the envelope. The event is weather permitting. If temperatures are below 55 or above 95, the program is canceled, so check this website for updates. Contact the park directly for event details or entry fee information. Location: Lake Whitney State Park. Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Rita Eisenschenk(254) 694-3793, extension 0 or via email at rita.eisenschnek@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 30: Stargazing 101. "From finding constellations to specific stars, from myths and legends about these celestial beings to scientific facts and figures, we’ll spend the evening looking and learning," event organizers wrote. This is a "bare-eye star-gazing event, but participants are free to bring their own telescopes or cameras. Attendees will meet in the lower parking lot after parking in the Summit Parking site or RV Parking lot. There is no hiking involved during this event. Take a lawn chair and flashlight (preferable with a red lens) and dress appropriately for the weather. Entrance fee the park is $7 per person (children 12 and under are free), and there is no additional fee to attend this program. Entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. No flashlights or cell phones allowed during this event, although red-tinted lights are permitted. Location: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Jessica DeBoer at (830) 685-3636 or via email at jessica.deboer@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 31: Sun Fun. This isn't a meteor shower event, but we just thought we'd throw it in because it's so interesting. Sky Guide volunteer and NASA Solar System Ambassador Earl Foster will offer Sun Fun, beginning 1 1/2 hours before Star Walk at the equestrian trail head star viewing area. Sun Fun offers the public rare views of our own star, the sun, through telescopes fitted with filters for safe viewing. Learn how the sun-Earth relationship impacts our daily lives. Participants will meet at the star-viewing area next to the equestrian trail head parking lot. Attendees should park at the Big Pond Equestrian Camp Overflow Parking Lot & Big Pond Restroom Parking Lot. You might take along drinking water, a hat to protect from the sun and a camp chair. This event is free with paid park entrance & permit on car windshield. Location: Copper Breaks State Park. Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Contact: Edwin Quintero (940) 839-4331 or via email at edwin.quintero@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 31: Starwalk. Join a park ranger and volunteers on a night of deep sky exploration of our solar system where you can see planets, constellations, nebulas, and distant galaxies. Copper Breaks is an International Dark Sky Park we have one of the darkest skies in Texas. Light pollution is minimal due to its remote location, making it great for stargazing. Participants will meet at the star-viewing area next to the equestrian trail head parking lot, with parking: at the Big Pond Equestrian Camp Overflow lot & Big Pond Restroom Parking Lot. Participants should take a blanket or lawn chair, red-filtered flashlight, binoculars if they got 'em, warm clothing and closed-toe shoes. This event is free with paid park entrance and permits on car windshields Note: This event may be cancelled due to bad weather. Location: Copper Breaks State Park. Time: 7:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Edwin Quintero at (940) 839-4331 or via email at edwin.quintero@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 31: Stories in the Stars. Participants will be eyeballing the skies, but can take their telescopes or cameras. No hiking involved in this event. Parking available at Summit Parking or RV parking lot. Entrance fee the park is $7/person (children 12 and under are free), and no additional fee to attend this program. Entry is free with a Texas State Parks Pass. Please no flashlights or cell phones during this event (it can take 20-30 minutes for our eyes to adjust from bright light to darkness). Red-tinted lights are permitted. Location: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Time: 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact: Jessica DeBoer (830) 685-3636 or via email at jessica.deboer@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 31: New Moon Stargazing. Join Ranger Pick for a night of stargazing, stories, and planetary exploration. Visitors are welcome to bring their own binoculars and telescopes if that's something they want to do, but it's not a prerequisite for participation. However, participants should: Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring snacks along with drinking water and something to sit on. Participants will meet at the Old Equestrian Stables. Location: Huntsville State Park . Time: 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Contact: Ted Pick (936) 355 - 9275 or via email at ted.pick@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.
• Aug. 31: Starry Night! Prepare: Dress for the weather, bring water, bring camp chairs or blankets for sky viewing. Meet: At the the Wolfberry Day Use Area, park with headlights away from central Fees: No fee for this program. Regular park entrance fee applies ($8 per adult, kids 12 and under are free). You can reserve your day pass and even print it ahead of time at https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Check them out on Facebook. Location: Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Time: 9:30 p.m. Contact: Lindsay Pannell at (806) 488-2227, extension 2067 or via email at lindsay.pannell@tpwd.texas.gov. Get map & directions.

There are more star-gazing events planned through the end of the year. Click here for details from Texas Parks & Wildlife.

CELESTIAL PRIMER

• The Perseids radiate from the constellation Perseus, named after the hero Perseus in Greek mythology, near the famous Double Cluster. The constellation is found in the northern sky and is one of the largest. Finding the radiant point for the Perseids isn’t necessary because they fly in all parts of the sky.
• The Delta Aquarids,when traced backward, appear to radiate from a point in front of the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer, which arcs across the southern sky in North America. The radiant point for the Delta Aquarids nearly aligns with the star Skat (Delta Aquarii), for which the shower is named.
• For both showers, find a dark, open sky. Be patient. It’ll take your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and set aside at least an hour to view them. They can come in spurts, and there can be a lull between shooting stars. Bring along a blanket or reclining lawn chair and settle in to enjoy the show.