This weekend's Perseid meteor shower is expected to be the opening act to the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, but the shower should still be a good opportunity for star-gazing, even in South Florida.
Astronomers are projecting a slightly higher than normal rate of 150 meteors per hour across North America. Peak viewing will be Friday night, early Saturday, Saturday night and early Sunday.
Although the bright lights of South Florida don't make Miami or Fort Lauderdale ideal viewing spots, you don't have to go too far to get a good look at the meteors.
One of the best places will be Everglades National Park, about 45 minutes west of Miami, according to Space.com’s partner site Active Junky.
"Designed to maximize natural darkness, the park is optimal for stargazing and enjoying the phenomena," the website notes. "It is open 24 hours, but make sure you are observant of indigenous creatures sharing the darkness."
The website also recommends LaBelle, which is about a two-hour drive, and Lorida, a three-hour drive.
