Meteor Magic
Published on August 04, 2026
By Carrie S.
The first time I saw a shooting star, I screamed.
I'm not entirely sure why; the sound probably shocked me as much as my husband. Maybe it was because I finally witnessed something that almost sounded mythical—the stuff of stories and magic. I still get giddy when I see one, which is why I’m so excited that August is upon us.
The Perseid meteor shower graces us with its presence at the same time each year. It's one of the best opportunities to witness meteors with the naked eye. The shower is active from July 17 to August 23 and will peak on the night of August 12. We can expect 50-100 meteors per hour, and visibility should be excellent this year due to the shower coinciding with completely moonless skies!
Celestial events are always a time for wonder. With a surge in aurora borealis visibility lately, we’ve had so many recent opportunities to witness this breathtaking spectacle. But whether it's the northern lights, a lunar eclipse, planet visibility, or a meteor shower, there is always something to explore.
If you’re curious about upcoming events, NASA has great resources, including a handy calendar.
South Dakota is well positioned to observe the beautiful night sky. With so much wide-open space and minimal light pollution, I can’t think of a better vantage point for the Perseids. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a blanket and pack a starlit picnic—just try not to scream!
Build anticipation by checking out one of these cosmic reads.
Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism by Valerie Stimac
A travel guide for stargazers! Discover the best global destinations along with guides to 35 dark-sky sites and national parks.
The Spirit and the Sky: Lakota Visions of the Cosmos by Mark Hollabaugh
For some history and local flair, try this fascinating exploration of Lakota astronomy. Learn about telling time, the names for the stars and constellations (as they appeared from the Great Plains), and the phenomena of meteor showers, eclipses, and the aurora borealis.
The Astronomy Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Stars, Planets, Galaxies, and the Universe by Govert Schilling
The title says it all. Here is a comprehensive guide for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the night sky. Accessible and easy to use, this really is the perfect handbook.
Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Who wouldn’t benefit from a practical guide on dealing with Alien visitors? Are Aliens already among us? See what a foremost astrophysicist has to say in this entertaining exploration of all things flying saucer.
Our Moon: How Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are by Rebecca Boyle
Discover the importance of the moon and its continuing contributions to life on Earth. But that’s not all; this book poses very thoughtful questions about our relationship with it in the future.
Starborn: How the Stars Made Us (and Who We Would Be Without Them) by Roberto Trotta
How has stargazing shaped the course of human civilization? Find out in this beautiful and poetic exploration of our relationship with stars throughout the ages.