San Francisco’s Finest Darkish-Sky Spots for Seeing the Perseids

It’s exhausting to beat the exhilaration of watching the Perseid meteor bathe. From July 14 to September 1, these little bits of matter flash via the sky — and the present will peak this weekend. On the evening of August 12, when the moon is a waxing crescent, you may even see as much as 50 to 70 showers per hour, when you’re fortunate and if the climate cooperates. 

Although you’ll be able to see the brightest Perseids from just about wherever, the overwhelming majority get misplaced in metropolis lights. We’ve pinpointed 5 dark-sky places an hour or two away from Bay Space gentle air pollution however shut sufficient that you simply don’t must spend the evening. Simply gasoline (or cost) up the automotive and hit the highway for a visit into house.

Drive 90 minutes from San Jose, and also you’re a world away from civilization. The non-profit observatory is legendary for “darkish cloud nights” in summer season — as fog engulfs the town lights 2,800 toes beneath, the mountain peak is left in close to whole darkness. Volunteer astronomers will welcome guests on August 12 at no cost star talks and sky gazing till midnight. The 30-inch Challenger Telescope can be readily available, together with many subtle beginner telescopes, although you most likely received’t want them to see the meteors at such a spectacular location.

Take into account arriving early to absorb the sundown. Twilight attracts out a wide range of wildlife, together with deer, rabbits and foxes — you may even see the elusive inexperienced flash if the fog line is gone and the horizon is evident.

One other spot favored by astronomers, Henry W. Coe State Park is a hidden treasure distant from gentle air pollution. A twisty 30-minute drive from the Silicon Valley suburb of Morgan Hill places you within the forested bluffs of the Diablo Vary. The most important state park in northern California is dwelling to the remnants of a working ranch left over from the Spanish-Mexican land grants. For optimum meteor viewing, drive to the Coe Ranch entrance at 9000 E. Dunn Ave. and park in heaps scattered across the historic buildings (attempt the Looking Hole Lot and the Principal Overflow Lot).

Coe Ranch is open 24/7, however parking is $8 on the dignity system at an iron ranger. The world has loos and consuming fountains however little else to distract critical stargazers from the evening sky.

On peak nights of the Perseids, it’ll be jam-packed at Lick Observatory, situated excessive above Silicon Valley and simply an hour east of San Jose on the summit of Mount Hamilton. On August 11 and 12, the College of California-owned observatory will host celestial lectures by UC astronomers and professors, telescope entry, star gazing and meteor viewing. On the night of August 12, Lick may also throw music into the combination, bringing the bluegrass of finger-picking guitar trio The Quitters to the mountain. Tickets run $25 to $55 and have to be bought prematurely.

The world’s first completely occupied mountain-top observatory was in-built 1888, and the buildings alone are a sight to behold. Arrive early to discover the gorgeous grounds, with gardens and sundown views that received’t give up.

 What would an inventory of meteor viewing spots be with out a seashore location? Bundle up and head to Portuguese Seashore at Bodega Bay, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco, for a perfect setting. The primary parking zone is ready on a cliff overlooking this secluded, dog-friendly seashore and supplies a grassy spot to arrange chairs. Bodega Head, a rugged promontory close by, is one other standard perch.

Make a day trip of it and tour UC Davis’s close by Marine Lab at no cost on August 11, the place you’ll find out about native biodiversity and meet a wide range of sea creatures.

 Lake Sonoma in Geyserville is an under-the-radar hangout for native astronomers. Magnificent oak bushes are the backdrop as you wind via undulating coastal foothills to The Overlook. The enormous wood and concrete “treehouse” perched above the lake boasts two ranges of open viewing decks. To get there, head up the highway about two miles previous the Customer’s Heart, make a left on Skaggs Springs Rd., then take the primary proper and search for indicators.

That is no-frills meteor viewing, so your greatest guess is to convey folding chairs, blankets, water and snacks (there’s a rest room within the parking zone). Proceed to Rockpile Street for 2 extra primo viewing spots on the parking heaps for Lone Rock and Group Website E of the Liberty Glen Campground.