The second weekend of August, more often than not, offers one of the most dazzling views of the night sky all year as the Perseid meteor shower occurs. Stargazers and astronomy fans, prepare to spring into action faster than usual. The Perseid's are still occurring on the same weekend, and the peak is still occurring this Saturday (the night of August 12th-13th). However, the wrench thrown into the entire situation is from another friend in our night sky, the moon. The peak of the Perseid meteor shower this year coincides with a full moon, meaning that the reliably dazzling and impressive display of meteors --sometimes as robust as 100 or more per hour-- will be less impressive than usual as the moons light pollution causes less meteors than usual to be visible. Featured Video: NASA explains the source, history, and facts behind the 2011 Perseid meteor shower, and offers some tips on how to view the meteor shower.

However, just because we can't see the full intensity of the meteor shower doesn't mean that it isn't viewable at all. The meteor shower may actually be best viewed tonight, or the morning of Thursday August 11th, with clear skies and good visibility expected. The moon will still be there, but to slightly less of an extent. In addition, the moon sets at 3:45am, meaning that the hours after midnight should offer less light pollution than usual as the moon sets--and the hours after 3am could offer the best viewing.

Looking for the best place to view the meteors? The city is not the ideal spot. Head out to Long Island, New Jersey, or a rural/darker area. Earth Sky's website has offered some great tips on how to best view the meteor shower this weekend.

"A plateau area with high-standing mountains to the south and southwest would work just fine. If you can’t do that, find a hedgerow of trees bordering a great big hay field somewhere (though obtain permission, if it’s private land). Or simply sit in the shadow of a barn. Ensconced within a moon shadow and far from the glow of city lights, the night all of a sudden darkens while the meteors brighten"

If you're looking for an unobstructed meteor shower, we have no good news to offer. The moon phases are rather obtrusive for the rest of the meteor shower schedule through the fall and winter seasons. 2012 will offer some much more favorable conditions--but you'll still see your fair share of meteors if you check out the days before and after the peak of the shower, and the moon phases then. Check out this schedule of the remaining meteor showers in 2011.

Article written August 10th, 2011 at 5:18pm. Looking for a forecast? See New York Metro Weather's Long Range Forecast for the remainder of the week into the weekend, or view our Technical Forecast Discussion for the more serious weather enthusiasts. Also, check out our new Forecast Overview tab. For up to the minute details on forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.