People watch falling stars at the Astronomical Observatory of Rome, based in Monteporzio Catone, Italy, on August 10, 2007.

To watch the August 2009 Perseids, pack a blanket, bug spray, and snacks, and lay on your back away from city lights with a view of as much of the night sky as possible.

The meteors will originate in the northeastern sky, toward the constellation Perseus, and extend all across the sky, especially at and after midnight.