Planetarium Negara Lists Top Spots For August Meteor Shower Viewing In Malaysia
Astronomy enthusiasts will get to observe about two meteors every two minutes on 12 August.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 06 Aug 2024, 06:32 PM
If you ever wanted to see a meteor shower, now's your chance.
Planetarium Negara has listed several locations where you can witness this spectacle in mid-August.
Over the past few weeks, Planetarium Negara has been promoting several local businesses and non-profit organisations on Instagram, leveraging the Perseid meteor shower period to attract astronomy enthusiasts to witness this annual event.
The Perseid meteor is set to light up Malaysian skies from now until 24 August, with its peak expected at 9pm on 12 August and continuing late into the night, reported the New Straits Times.
Stargazers can expect to observe an average of 100 meteors per hour, or about two meteors per minute, during the peak of the display.
While the meteor shower is visible to the naked eye, the department under the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry advised the public to venture away from towns and cities to places with a low Bortle scale rating — indicating lower light pollution — for the best viewing experience.
1. Meteor Shower Astronomy Carnival 2024 @ Lenggong, Perak
There are six packages to choose from, offering various experiences such as astrophotography adventures, workshops, night picnics, boat tours, and more.
Prices start as low as RM70 and can go up to RM660 for a three-day-two-night experience.
Visit Gola Aventures' website for more information.
2. Perseids Meteor Hunting @ Tegudon Tourism Village, Kota Belud, Sabah
Hosted by Dark Sky Malaysia, the one-night event from 12 August to 13 August is a perfect gathering place for meteor hunters ready to make a wish.
"There'll be canvases provided for us to lie down and look up. Bring your extra mat, mosquito repellent, hot drinks, family, and friends too," read a promotion post.
To make a booking, call +6013-6024089 or visit their Instagram page.
3. Shooting star viewing site @ Zen Forest Villa & Campsites, Bentong, Pahang
The campsite is known for being secluded from city lights, offering a great stargazing location at its waterfall campsite D, as well as summit campsites E, F, and G.
The attraction is equipped with many sturdy camps with ample facilities. There is also a villa for those who prefer to sleep indoors.
To make a booking, call +6016-3971181 or visit their Instagram page.
4. Stargazing at a basketball court @ Kepong, Kuala Lumpur
If you do not wish to travel too far from the city centre, then this event organised by the Star-Finder Astronomical Society is one you won't want to miss.
People in the Klang Valley can gather at the basketball court in front of SMK Kepong on 10 August to watch the skies from 10pm to 6am the next day.
Registration is not required, and admission is free
Visit the Star-Finder Astronomical Society's Instagram page for more information.
