Every August, Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, and the result is one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor showers of the year — the Perseids. Named for the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to radiate, the Perseids have been observed for nearly 2,000 years and regularly produce 50 to 100 visible meteors per hour at peak. They're bright, they're fast, and they frequently leave long, glowing trails across the sky.

This year, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is making it easy for Long Islanders to catch the show. Select state parks across the island will remain open during the overnight hours on Wednesday, August 12 through the predawn hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026 — free of charge, with no stargazing permit required.

Long Island's state parks offer wide-open skies, minimal light interference, and the kind of dark-sky conditions that make meteor watching actually worth the late night.

Here's where you can go:

Jones Beach State Park — West End 2 (west parking lot)
Sunken Meadow State Park — Field 3
Montauk Point State Park — Upper Parking Lot
Wildwood State Park — Field 1 Parking Lot
Orient Beach State Park — Main Parking Lot
Hallock State Park Preserve — Upper Parking Lot

A few tips: dress for the weather, bring bug spray, and pack a chair that reclines — you'll want to be looking up, not craning your neck. Binoculars are not necessary. Face northeast and let your eyes adjust for about 20 minutes. You must remain near your vehicle.

When: Wednesday, August 12 through predawn Thursday, August 13, 2026
Where: Six Long Island State Parks (see locations above)
Cost: FREE — no stargazing permit required