5 Tips for a Better View of this Weekend’s Meteor Shower in Maine

Meteor showers can be super awesome.

When I was younger and didn't get up at the crack of dawn for work, I used to check things out like this all the time. My friends and I would travel far and wide to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or a comet, or whatever. Last year, I even got to check out the super rad Night Sky Observatory in Nova Scotia that specializes in low light night viewing. It was unreal.

But over the years, I've learned a few things as far as being able to enjoy thses events the most. If you just leave the house unprepared, you won't get the most enjoyment out of it. Being too cold is no fun. Being too close to a town can mess it up. So let's look at a few ways you can make it more fun.

1. First and foremost, there's no official start time. You may have to wait a bit.

It's not like the Perseid Meteor Shower we're going to see this weekend has a management company that provides official start and end times. If you're in a hurry, you won't have as much fun. It happens when it happens, so be patient.

2. A comfortable chair.

Preferably one that tips back. That'll give you optimal viewing with the most comfort. You're going to be there a while, so you might as well be able to not get a crick in your back from constant leaning. And, laying on the ground gets cold, no matter what time of year it is.

3. Speaking of staying warm, wear the right clothing.

Even if it's supposed to be a warm night, consider bringing a hoodie or something a bit warmer than just a t-shirt. Nothing will have you headed for the car faster than not being warm enough while you're out there. Temps this weekend are only going to be in the low to mid 60's at night. That's chillier than you think.

4. Consider a special kind of flashlight.

Try and pick up a redlight flashlight. Even your phone can cause enough brightness on it's lowest setting to kind of ruin your eyes. A red light is easier on the eyes and they can bounce back more quickly. And that bring us to the most important point...

5. Get away from the bright lights of town.

Only a small handful of towns in Maine are considered low-light regions. However, if you traveled to a more remote area, you'll have a much better chance of seeing some solid night skies. Darkness is your friend in every way when looking at meteor showers. But maybe most importantly... Have fun!

Any of these National Parks would make great spots to watch the skies...