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Scout a location

This year more than ever, you’ll need to pick a good spot from which to maximize your meteor viewing potential. While no one can control the weather, coastal residents can improve chance by travelling to drier, inland locations. Humid air scatters more light, which overpowers more meteors.

Leonids appear to emanate from a point just above the eastern horizon after midnight local time, so a clear view to the east is useful. This so-called radiant point rises nearly overhead by dawn.

It’s wise to scout a backup location, too. If you’re primary spot is in a low-lying area that has the potential for fog, have a second location in mind – possibly a mountaintop. While Tip #3 will explain why a mountaintop is not ideal, it would be far better than missing the whole event.

• Leonids Special Report: Full Forecast, Photos and More

You’ll want to battle the Moon, so see Tip #3 …