With a moonless sky coinciding with the Perseids’ peak, expect a great performance this year. Find a spot that has a clear view of most of the overhead sky and face the northeast.   In the dark countryside, as many as 60 to 100 meteors per hour may be visible. There’s no need for binoculars or a telescope; the best way to enjoy the show is to sit back on a reclining lawn chair or blanket and count your wishes.

Located in the zodiacal constellation Sagittarius, this distinct stellar pattern—complete with handle, lid and spout--marks the heart of the mythical centaur. For even the seasoned stargazer, tracing out the figure of a centaur takes some imagination, but the familiar form of the