Can you see meteors, asteroids in Delaware? This study gives you the odds

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Looking for a meteor or an asteroid?

If you're in Delaware, that may be a challenge, according to a new study from The Action Network.

The study says the probability of spotting a meteor or asteroid in Delaware is 0.42% – the lowest of any state.

The Action Network has analyzed sky visibility, elevation, historical meteor activity, and astronomical infrastructure to compile a ranked list of the best states for witnessing celestial events.

Where to retire: 9 best Delaware towns to 'comfortably retire' in, named by WorldAtlas. What do you think?

Why is Delaware bad for spotting meteors or asteroids?

The First State has three factors working against it.

  • Delaware has no Bortle 1, 2 or 3 sites and only six Bortle 4 zones.

  • Delaware is flat with its average elevation at 60 feet – the lowest in the nation.

  • Delaware has only one observatory, which means there are limited chances for guided celestial observation.

What is the Bortle scale?

The Bortle scale measures the amount of light pollution in the night sky. The higher the amount of light pollution, the less likely you are to see celestial objects like meteors, asteroids and stars.

The scale has nine levels. The lower the level, the lower the level of light pollution. Delaware doesn't have any level 1, 2 or 3 areas in the state and a few level 4 areas, meaning light pollution will keep you from seeing celestial objects.

What are the worst places to view meteors, asteroids?

Here are the 10 worst places to see celestial bodies, according to The Action Network's study:

  1. Delaware – 0.42% chance

  2. New Jersey – 0.64% chance

  3. Mississippi – 0.68% chance

  4. Kentucky – 0.79% chance

  5. Maryland – 0.84% chance

  6. Vermont – 0.85% chance

  7. Louisiana – 0.91% chance

  8. North Dakota – 0.97% chance

  9. Connecticut – 1.00% chance

  10. South Carolina – 1.04% chance

Where are the 10 best places to to view meteors, asteroids?

Here are the 10 best spots for skywatching if you're planning a vacation.

  1. California – 6.68% chance

  2. Colorado – 4.45% chance

  3. Oregon – 4.4% chance

  4. Utah – 4.21% chance

  5. New Mexico – 3.81% chance

  6. Arizona – 3.5% chance

  7. Nevada – 3.17% chance

  8. Alaska – 2.94 % chance

  9. Idaho – 2.85% chance

  10. Michigan – 2.81% chance

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: WIll you see a meteor in Delaware?

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