August is the month when a fantastic meteor shower is going to happen. This year, over weekend August 12th and 13th, 2023, Saturday and Sunday, We’ll be able to see something really cool in the night sky. During these two nights, there will be a bunch of shooting stars flying across the sky, and it’s going to look absolutely amazing.
Whether you love looking at the stars a lot or you’re just curious, these dates are when you should go outside, look up at the sky, and enjoy the incredible show of the universe.
Portland, Oregon, offers several great locations for watching meteor showers. Here are 11 best places:
- Rooster Rock State Park:
This state park is located about 25 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River Gorge, Rooster Rock State Park is a popular spot for stargazing and meteor shower watching. The park often hosts organized meteor shower viewing events with astronomy experts. - Stub Stewart State Park:
This park is located west of Portland and offers darker skies for better stargazing. It’s a bit farther from the city lights, which can enhance your meteor shower viewing experience. - L.L. Stub Stewart Observatory:
Within Stub Stewart State Park, this observatory hosts astronomy programs and events, including meteor shower parties. - Powell Butte Nature Park:
While not as far from city lights, Powell Butte offers some elevated viewpoints that can provide a decent meteor watching experience. - Oxbow Regional Park:
Situated east of Gresham and southeast of Portland, Oxbow Park offers relatively dark skies and is a great spot for both meteor shower watching and general stargazing. - Champoeg State Heritage Area:
Located south of Portland along the Willamette River, this park has open spaces that can offer good views of meteor showers. While not as remote as some other options, it still provides a relatively dark sky environment. - Mount Hood National Forest:
If you’re willing to venture a bit farther from Portland, the Mount Hood area offers numerous spots with darker skies and clearer views. - Cannon Beach:
While not as dark as some of the inland locations, Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast can still offer a beautiful backdrop for meteor shower watching. The sound of ocean waves adds to the experience. - Trillium Lake:
Located near Mount Hood, Trillium Lake offers a serene setting for meteor shower viewing, with the reflection of the lake enhancing the experience. - Rocky Butte:
Within Portland itself, Rocky Butte provides elevated views and is a convenient option for meteor shower watching without going out from city - Vista House: Positioned along the Historic Columbia River Highway, Vista House offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and can be a picturesque spot to enjoy meteor showers.
Let me tell you secrete of shooting star,
There’s this cool belief that
“if you make a wish while seeing a shooting star, your wish might actually come true?”
So, next time you’re watching a meteor shower or catch a glimpse of a shooting star, don’t forget to make a wish – who knows, the universe might be listening! It’s a little bit of wonder that makes stargazing even more special.
Remember,
The key to a successful meteor shower watching experience is finding a location with minimal light pollution, so try to head outside the city limits to maximize your chances of seeing the meteor shower. Additionally, check the local weather forecast before you go, and bring along warm clothing, blankets, chairs, and perhaps some hot beverages to stay comfortable during your meteor shower viewing session. It’s also a good idea to arrive well before the expected peak viewing time to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Milky way and shooting stars-
