Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower from Wichita

I have a lot of memories growing up of watching the Perseid meteor shower. As a kid we would lay on my neighbor’s trampoline and watch.

In high school, we would go to a friends and sit on their driveway and watch.

What is the Perseid meteor shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is an annual meteor shower that happens each summer.

When Earth goes through the orbit of a comet, that’s a meteor a shower.

The “shooting stars” that we see are just pieces of that comet that have broken up and burn up as they enter earth’s atmosphere. Typically you can see a couple meteors every few minutes and up to 60+ an hour.

How to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Wichita?

This is the best part about it, you don’t need anything special!

Relax in your yard with family or friends and look up to the sky.

If you’re in the heart of the city, the ‘light pollution’ may affect your experience so you could make a short drive to the country, but even in the city you should be able to see it!

Obviously if there are a lot of clouds, it could be tough to see. Or if the moon is too bright.

When to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Wichita?

For 2021 in Wichita, the peak days are August 11 – August 13.

Midnight to dawn is the best timing, but they can be visible as early as 10PM.

If you want the “professional” experience, head out to Lake Afton Observatory.

If you end up checking it out, tag us on Instagram @wichitalifeict or use hashtag #wichitalifeict of your watch party so we can share!