One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseid meteor shower, will be peaking later this month.

The light show is expected to be especially bright this year due to a lack of a moon on the peak days of Aug. 11, 12, and 13. No special equipment is needed, just find a wide open dark sky.

EarthSky.org says that you can expect 60 meteors per hour at peak times, which are the early morning hours. They recommend that you get a comfortable chair, find a dark part of the sky and settle in to watch the show. Near dawn you should see the most activity.

There is a stargazer map on EarthSky that highlights three locations in New Jersey for optimal viewing: the Eastpointe Lighthouse in Cumberland County, Barnegat Light and Long Beach Island. That being said, virtually anywhere in New Jersey that’s away from city lights should provide a good vantage point.

Every year, Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle from July 17 to Aug. 24, with the shower's peak — when Earth passes through the densest, dustiest area — occurring Aug. 11-13. They’re called the Perseids because they seem to be coming out of the constellation Perseus (they’re not); while the constellation is light years away, the meteors are only about 60 miles away.

According to Space.com, most meteors are no bigger than a grain of sand and are traveling about 37 miles per second! Find a dark part of New Jersey and enjoy the show!

Beautiful sunflower fields to visit in NJ 2021

Among reasons why the “Garden State” remains a fitting nickname for New Jersey — late summer means the arrival of sunflower season.

There are at least six fields, spanning the state. Some are in bloom as of early August, while others are planned to peak from late August to late September.

Calling or emailing before heading out is always advisable if weather appears to be an issue. 

Point Pleasant Beach NJ: 11 most popular spots

The oceanside location of Point Pleasant Beach has been a source of enjoyment for centuries.

The first permanent boardwalk was built in 1915 and in the late 1920’s, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Swimming Pool. 

Over the past 100 years or so, the community has grown into a vibrant resort destination for state residents and tourists, alike.

15 sensational places to visit in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park

From amusement rides to all the boardwalk food and lots of water fun, Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park have endured as a family friendly spot for all ages.

Along the way, the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Casino Pier have been struck with tragic disasters - such as fire, Superstorm Sandy and another fire. Both have proven their resiliency through rebuilding and expansion.

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