Stargazers across the Big Bend region will have multiple opportunities to enjoy celestial events over the next month, highlighted by one of the strongest Perseid meteor shower displays in years.
Known for having some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, the Big Bend region will host a series of astronomical events between July 14 and Aug. 15, according to Visit Big Bend.
The viewing period begins with a new moon on July 14, creating the darkest skies of the month and providing ideal conditions for observing the Milky Way’s bright core overhead. With little to no moonlight, visitors can enjoy the spectacle without specialized equipment.
From July 15 through July 17, a thin crescent moon illuminated by earthshine — sunlight reflected from Earth onto the moon’s darker side — will appear low in the western sky after sunset. The moon will be joined by Venus on July 16 and 17, creating a striking pairing visible shortly after dusk.
The annual Perseid meteor shower officially begins July 17 and will continue through Aug. 24. While meteor activity will gradually increase throughout the period, the shower’s peak is expected Aug. 12-13.
A full Buck Moon will rise July 29, offering photographers and skywatchers opportunities to capture moonrise views over the Chisos Mountains and other Big Bend landmarks.
Another meteor viewing opportunity arrives July 30-31, when the Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers reach their peaks simultaneously. Astronomers note that bright moonlight may reduce visibility during the peak nights, making the days before the peak a better option for viewing.
The most anticipated event of the season comes Aug. 12-13, when the Perseid meteor shower peaks under nearly moonless skies. Observers could see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour in dark-sky locations, making it one of the most favorable Perseid displays in recent years.
The month concludes with Venus reaching its greatest brilliance on Aug. 14-15. The planet, often called the “evening star,” will shine brightly in the western sky shortly after sunset.
Communities throughout Brewster County, including Terlingua, Study Butte, Lajitas, Marathon and the Chisos Basin area, offer some of Texas’ premier dark-sky viewing locations.
Tourism officials encourage visitors planning to attend the Perseid peak weekend to make lodging reservations early, as the annual meteor shower traditionally attracts large numbers of visitors to the region.
