Tonight's celestial highlight is the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's most anticipated astronomical events. The shower reached its peak on the night of August 12-13, but stargazers can still catch a glimpse of the spectacle tonight.

The best time to watch for meteors is after midnight, with prime viewing hours typically between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time. This is when the shower's "radiant" point—the constellation Perseus from which the meteors appear to originate—is highest in the sky.

A key factor to consider for tonight's viewing is the moon. The shower is occurring during a waning gibbous moon, which will be quite bright and may wash out some of the fainter meteors. This means you might see a lower number of meteors than in years with a darker sky, but the Perseids are known for their bright fireballs and "earth-grazing" meteors that can cut through the moonlight.

To get the best view, find a location away from city lights and light pollution. Look toward the northeast sky and allow your eyes about 20-30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. You don't need any special equipment like a telescope or binoculars; the meteors are best seen with the naked eye.

In addition to the meteor shower, there's a special planetary treat. Around 4 a.m. local time, Venus and Jupiter will be in a close conjunction, appearing remarkably close together in the eastern sky. This adds another layer of magic to the early morning skywatching experience.

So, while the moon may present a challenge, the Perseid meteor shower is still an excellent reason to step outside and look up tonight, especially in the pre-dawn hours.