Every year I try to watch the Perseids for a little while if it is possible. The best viewing for me (other than being in Indiana on the lake) has been to go into Angeles Crest Forest far enough to put a mountain peak or two between me and the city. Last year the moon was too bright, so I didn't try to go. This year I may not be up before dawn.
Space.com about this year's showers:
"According to the best estimates, in 2004 the Earth is predicted to cut through the densest part of the Perseid stream sometime around 7 a.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 12. Activity could be high for a few hours on either side of that time.
The late-night hours of Wednesday, Aug. 11, on through the first light of dawn on the morning holds the promise of seeing a very fine Perseid display. The bright light of a Full Moon almost totally wrecked last year’s shower, but this year it will be a lovely crescent, about 3½ days before New phase. Moreover, it will not rise until around 2:30 a.m. local daylight time on the morning of the12th, hovering to the east of brilliant Venus."
20:50 GMT on the 11th, is cited as the possible closest approach to 1862 Swift-Tuttle debris, if one of the astronomer's predictions is true. That would be afternoon here, so I still wouldn't get to see. :-(
If you want to know more, check out the article along with the side bar and links after with viewing tips, locations and how to photograph among other things.
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