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The Perseid meteor shower, a celestial spectacle that has been gracing our skies since early August, is set to peak on the night of Tuesday, August 12. If you're a resident of Munich or simply visiting, this could be your chance to witness the dazzling display of shooting stars.
According to Bernhard Buchner, director of the Bavarian Volkssternwarte Munich, the chances for observing shooting stars increase significantly, especially in the hills of the city such as the Olympic Mountain and Luitpold Park hill. However, the city center might not offer the best viewing experience due to light pollution.
For those seeking a more promising view, it's recommended to head to dark, open areas away from city lights. Munich’s Hirschgarten, noted as the world’s largest urban park, is recommended for good night sky visibility and meteor shower watching due to its relative darkness within the city.
The weather forecast for the peak of the Perseids is promising, with many regions in Bavaria expecting a clear night with mild temperatures around 15 degrees. However, it's essential to check local conditions and weather for clear skies before heading out.
In areas with little light pollution, up to 60 glowing trails can be seen per hour during the meteor shower. To maximise your chances of observing numerous meteors, good all-around visibility is needed, with the darker the sky, the better. Success rates for observing shooting stars significantly increase at 3:00 AM.
For photographers observing the Perseids, Buchner recommends a camera with a wide-angle or fisheye lens. Stargazers should also consider other factors while observing the Perseids, such as finding spots with minimal light pollution and observing on nights with a new moon or minimal moonlight for darker skies.
While Munich itself does not have dedicated professional observatories optimized for meteor showers within the city, outdoor parks like Hirschgarten offer accessible spots for casual observers during the Perseids. Other optimal locations include the northern part of the English Garden, Perlacher Forest, and Hinterbrühler See.
For those interested in learning more about the Perseid meteor shower, a free Meteor Shower Guide is available for download after a short registration at this link: HERE
Timing your observation close to the peak night is ideal, and given Munich's urban environment, traveling slightly outside the city to surrounding countryside or natural reserves can improve visibility further. So, grab a comfortable chair, wrap up warm, and prepare for a night under the stars!
- To increase your chances of seeing a high number of shooting stars during the Perseid meteor shower, consider heading to areas with minimal light pollution, such as outdoor parks like Hirschgarden or the northern part of the English Garden, Perlacher Forest, and Hinterbrühler See.
- For those who enjoy outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts, the Perseid meteor shower is an excellent opportunity to witness a stunning celestial event, with optimal locations for observing in Munich including the aforementioned parks and natural reserves.
