Idaho has more than just natural landscapes, we’ve also got an amazing view of some of the best meteor showers! With so much of our land is public, undeveloped, wild spaces, the ability to get out into the true night sky is almost effortless. On August 11th and 12th, the Perseid Meteor Shower will be at its peak visibility in the Treasure Valley. Space enthusiasts and the team at Amsmeteors.org remark that this shower, from a rural viewpoint, “produces somewhere between 50 - 75 shower members per hour.”
How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Showers
NASA suggests planning to view the Perseid shower during the pre-dawn hours of the day, though some have seen the showers as early as 10 pm at night.
Be prepared to drive outside of the Treasure Valley city limits in areas like Boise, Meridian, and parts of Nampa or Eagle. Two common, easy-to-drive-to locations to set up your meteor watching station are either along the Pleasant Valley Rd outside the Gowen Military Base, or on Bogus Basin Rd, as high up as you can drive. Be aware that residents live in some of these areas, remember to be courteous to them and not create too much noise or disruption.
Pack a late-night picnic, your binoculars or telescope, and some cozy blankets or pads to sit back, and enjoy the show. The showers make for a fun family activity, uber-romantic date night, or just a unique natural event to witness. There is no better way to remember how fragile humanity is and connect with others on just how special we are as humans to exist on this planet we call Earth.
Idaho’s Astrophotographer Captures it All!
Did you know, we have a local astrophotographer who truly knows how to capture the beauty of space? You can learn more about Jordan and his stunning astrophotography from the blog below!
Jordan Ragsdale: Astrophotography in Idaho
Photo Credit: Jordan Ragsdale
Looking for the Ultimate Meteor experience?
Consider heading to the Dark Sky Reserve area in beautiful Central Idaho. With 960,000 acres of intentionally preserved land, this truly untouched area is one of the best places to enjoy the majestic beauty of space with little to no light pollution.
Read more about the iconic Idaho Wilderness here:
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve: Idaho's Most Magical Destination
How to Help Keep Idaho wild!
Remember! Idaho treasures its natural spaces, so do your part to keep these one-of-a-kind locations as pristine and beautiful as they are now.
Important fire safety tips in these wild spaces,
- Do not create an unsafe campfire
- Do not drive your car off-road, hot undercarriages can starts grass fires.
Read more about fire safety here:
Keep Idaho Safe During A High Fire Risk Season
Interested in Giving Your Kids a More in-Touch With Nature Method of Education?
Everwild Forrest School has brought a new method of child education to the Treasure Valley. The nonprofit school seeks to balance inquiry-based learning with a place-bound curriculum.
You can learn more about the 100% outdoor classroom in the blog below!
EverWild Forest School: Education in an Outdoor Classroom
Don’t forget to tag @totallyboise and #totallyboise in any pictures you post to social media!