The summer’s most popular meteor shower, the Perseids, is set to peak Wednesday evening, according to the American Meteor Society.
But how likely are Illinois residents to spot the celestial event?
Sports betting company The Action Network analyzed the meteor-spotting conditions of all 50 states, comparing their “dark-sky zones,” annual clear days, average elevation and more. Here’s what Illinois’ stargazing chances look like.
Best states to see Perseid meteor shower
The Action Network found that the following states have the highest probability of spotting the meteor shower:
Worst states to see Perseid meteor shower
The Action Network found that the following states have the worst odds of seeing the meteors due to clouds, bright city glow and a low number of fireball reports:
How likely is Illinois to see the Perseids?
Illinois ranked near the middle of the list, landing at No. 27 with an implied spotting probability of 1.61%.
According to The Action Network, Illinois has an average 98 clear days per year, five observatories statewide and an average elevation of 600 feet. Between 2021 and 2025, 1,022 unique fireball events (exceptionally bright meteors) were reported in the state.
Illinois also has four protected dark sites certified by light pollution nonprofit DarkSky International, along with various locations ranked highly on the Bortle scale.
The nine-zone scale ranks the brightness of the night sky in various locations, with Class 1 sites commonly described as the darkest skies on Earth. Illinois one Class 2 and five Class 3 zones, according to the report.
Where’s the best spot in Illinois to see the Perseids?
Generally, the best viewing spots are located far from bright city lights, with dark spots out in the country typically being your best bet for stargazing.
The Action Network says the best viewing site in Illinois is Middle Fork River Forest Preserve located near Penfield.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: How visible will Perseids be in Illinois? Report ranks clarity in 50 states
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
