The Perseid meteor shower is gearing up to turn the night sky into a glittering RSVP pile, proof that the cosmos still throws better parties than your local HOA.

Peak time is expected around 2 a.m. local time, a window so brief even the moon yawns and goes back to bed.

Best viewing spots include dark skies far from city lights such as open fields, desert plains, or that hill where you pretend the streetlamp is a tiny planet.

Urban dwellers can still watch by staking out a dark patch on a balcony or rooftop and pretending the streetlight is a tiny star in disguise.

Families can ride the meteor wave together; kids can make a wish on every streak, which is basically a participation trophy from the universe.

Social media will flood with meteor selfies, each captioned with heroic hashtags about cosmic glitter and the courage to look up.

Scientists remind us the show is free and unpredictable, which means bring snacks, a blanket, and a tolerance for existential dread about gravity.

If you miss the peak, fear not—the cosmos reruns this every year, give or take, because meteors are basically seasonal coupons for wonder.

Weather can ruin the spectacle; cloudy skies keep suspense high, because you get to pretend the clouds are cosmic curtains.

For city folks who won’t drive out of town, the night can still be spectacular if you lean back, count streaks between passing cars, and pretend the whole street is a meteor parade.

Parents can use the event to teach patience, since the sky occasionally delivers a glittering payoff only if you stop pinging your phone long enough to notice.

Bottom line: the night sky remains the ultimate open mic, free to attend, and tonight’s performance is cosmic, glittery, and completely non-refundable.