# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CSew49qHqVC
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21026603-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/2981f88e45.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-08-12T16:14:59.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

The Perseid Meteor Shower is underway! ☄️⁣
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Meteor showers are periodic celestial events often caused by a trail of icy, rocky debris left behind by a comet. As Earth travels through this cosmic debris, small particles burn up in the atmosphere at tremendous speeds, causing a streak of light we call a meteor or "shooting star." The Perseids are a popular meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere since it produces a high rate of meteors and occurs during warmer summer nights. This year is favorable as well since the moon will have little interference.⁣ For those of you up between midnight and dawn, head outside and look up! Can we guarantee you’ll see them from your location? Nope. But hey, at least your out trying new things. Don’t forget your telescope. And pants. 
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A good way to view a meteor shower is to choose a dark location away from ambient light, sit or lean back, and soak in a wide view of the sky. If you’re in a park, please take extra precaution while night driving, hiking or camping, and prepare properly. ⁣
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Image: The clear dark skies of the Smokies serve as the perfect canvas upon which to watch the Perseid meteor shower. @greatsmokynps /NPS⁣
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#persiedmeteorshower #greatsmokymountainsnationalpark #tennessee #northcarolina #nationalparkservice #space

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 51,648
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## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

persiedmeteorshower, space, greatsmokymountainsnationalpark, tennessee, nationalparkservice, northcarolina

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