New Hampshire Stargazing Spots For The Perseid Meteor Shower

Some of my favorite childhood memories happened after the sun went down.

My dad would set up his telescope in the yard, and together we'd look up at the night sky. He taught me the constellations, pointed out planets, and reminded me that the universe is far bigger than anything we could imagine.

Even now, I've never lost that sense of wonder. To me, the stars have always felt a little magical... a reminder to dream big and believe anything is possible.

That's one reason the annual Perseids Meteor Shower is one of my favorite summer traditions.

According to NASA, "The Perseids is considered the best meteor shower of the year." During peak activity, skywatchers can see up to 100 meteors per hour streaking across the sky under ideal dark-sky conditions. This year's shower is active from mid-July through late August and is expected to peak the night of August 12th into the early morning of August 13th, with little moonlight to interfere with viewing.

NASA says the best viewing is "in the Northern Hemisphere during the pre-dawn hours, though at times it is possible to view meteors from as early as 10 p.m."

If you're hoping to catch nature's best light show, New Hampshire offers some incredible places to look up!

According to New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development, some of the Granite State's best stargazing spots include:

1. Francestown Barn
2. Crawford Notch Depot
3. Lake Solitude at Mount Sunapee
4. Pemigewasset Overlook on the Kancamagus Highway
5. White Lake State Park
6. Umbagog Lake
7. Birch Ridge in New Durham, NH
8. West Rattlesnake Mountain in Center Sandwich, NH

These locations have minimal light pollution and make for unforgettable view of the night sky.

According to locals, here are some of the top places to stargaze with minimal light pollution:
1. Cathedral Ledge in Bartlett, NH
2. Lake Sunapee in Sullivan County and Merrimack County, NH
3. Mount Kearsarge in Wilmot, NH
4. Waterville Valley, NH
5. Newfound Lake in Grafton County, NH
6. Clark Lookout in New London, NH

Pack a blanket, bring a few snacks, and don't forget to make a wish. After all, some of summer's most unforgettable moments happen when you simply look up.