Perseid meteor shower and Blue Moon are among the astronomical events in August 2024
From a popular summer meteor shower to the seasonal blue moonrise, here are the top astronomy events for August 2024.
Are you heading to Joshua Tree National Park this week to catch a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower? Check which roads are closed before you leave.
Park officials are expecting another rush of visitors as people try to see the annual meteor shower, which began Saturday and will likely peak Monday evening during the first quarter moon, the park said.
Last year, the rain fell on a Saturday when there was a new moon, creating an impressive display in the night sky. As a result, huge crowds flocked to the area, causing traffic congestion on Highway 62 and prompting park officials to tell people to stay home on the second night. Officials also said visitors left trash behind, set illegal campfires and had their cars get stuck in the sand, to name a few problems.
Given the road closures and the numerous advisories the park posted on its social media pages before the rain peaked, officials appear to be doing everything in their power to prevent a repeat of last year’s fiasco.
Road closures in Joshua Tree National Park due to the Perseid meteor shower
Closed in the afternoon until Tuesday:
- Lost Horse Mine Road
- Bighorn Complex Road System including Queen Valley Road and Bighorn Pass
- Geology Tour Road
- Stirrup tank road
- Keys Ranch Road
- Split Rock
- Live Oak Picnic Area
For an interactive map of road closures, visit www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
Extended opening hours of visitor centers
In anticipation of curious meteor hunters, the park has extended the hours of operation of its three visitor centers. The centers will be open until 10 p.m. through Monday.
Those entering the park from Twentynine Palms can visit the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center; those entering from the south entrance can stop by the Cottonwood Visitor Center; and visitors coming from Joshua Tree can visit the Joshua Tree Visitor Center for more information.
Tips for a smooth weekend
After last year’s meteor shower brought with it massive traffic, trash and illegal activities, park officials have issued a series of tips for visitors to follow to make the weekend program as magical as the events in space:
- Plan ahead and come prepared: Bring food and water, as neither is available in the park. The weather can also change quickly, so bring extra clothes. Cell phone reception is unreliable, so let someone know what you’re planning to do.
- Traffic: Because delays of several hours are expected, arrive at the park early to secure a parking spot. Purchase your pass in advance on Recreation.gov to avoid delays at the entrance stations
- Leave no trace: Take all your trash with you. Due to limited parking, restrooms may be difficult to access. Please do not leave human excrement and toilet paper behind and do not park on plants.
- No fires: A fire ban remains in effect throughout the park. The use of charcoal or wood barbecues is not permitted and will result in a fine. Help prevent forest fires by not smoking within 3 metres of vegetation and ensuring that vehicle chains are not dragging and causing sparks.
- Be respectful: Please keep the use of light and sound to a minimum and be patient.
Other places to watch the Perseid meteor shower
Joshua Tree National Park is not the only place in Southern California where you can see the rain shower.
Dark Sky International also recommends Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs and Julian as places to view the meteor light display.
Meteors are visible as early as 10 p.m., but according to NASA, the best time to observe them is the hours before dawn.
To learn more about the Perseids, visit go.nasa.gov/3wTi56n
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @ema_sasic.
