Every year in late July or Early August, Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle and we are treated to the Perseids meteor shower. This year the shower’s peak — when Earth passes through the densest, dustiest area — is expected to happen on the night of August 12. That means you’ll see the most meteors in the shortest amount of time that night, but you can still catch some action from the famed meteor shower before or after that point. This year is expected to a great year for viewing the meteor shower because the moon will be near new moon and just a crescent. And it should set before the meteor shower begins, meaning the moon’s light won’t pollute the sky, making it even easier to view the event.
In order to get the best view of this amazing event, you’re going to want to find yourself a very dark place with little light pollution and great viewing area. In Wisconsin, that’s Newport State Park.
Located on the Door County Peninsula, Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only Wilderness Park, meaning the park only has backpack camping and is fairly undeveloped. Located far from any towns or cities that would provide light pollution and with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon, this park was recently given a designation only 48 parks worldwide have received.
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With more than 20 miles of Lake Michigan lakefront, this is the perfect spot to settle in for the Perseids. Bring a blanket, some chairs and some patience and if you can stay awake, you’re likely to be treated to a heck of a show.
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The International Dark-Sky Association works to preserve night skies for all to view. They named Newport State Park Wisconsin’s first Dark Sky Park, noting how well you can view the sky, stars and more from this remote spot.
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The DNR will hold an event at the park for the Perseid Meteor Shower on August 12. In year’s past, the event has featured programs by university astronomers and use of telescopes. You’ll be among friends and fellow sky-watchers and getting to experience such an amazing event in the presence of others who are as fascinated by the skies are you are is a truly wonderful experience.
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This park offers unprecedented views of the night sky and really, it’s a great place to star gaze and marvel at your place in the universe any night of the year.
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This wonderful dark park really allows you to escape life for a bit and commune with nature. The undisturbed area and lack of traffic adds to the feeling of being alone in a very big world.
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The Perseids are something regular stargazers look forward to every year. The shower wasn’t great in 2017 due to light pollution from the moon, so the forecast for this year’s early-setting crescent moon has folks every excited.
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There’s just nothing like staring to the heavens at Newport State Park and Wisconsin’s so lucky to have such a glorious spot right here at home.
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Learn more about Newport State Park and reserve a campsite through their DNR website here.
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The DNR is holding Perseid viewing events on both August 11 and August 12 at parks across the state. Check out their events page to find all the details.
One of the things that makes Newport so wonderful is how undisturbed it is. If you’re looking for another spot in Wisconsin that’s well-protected, check out Straight Lake State Park, which is open to foot traffic only.
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