This episode is brought to you by REI Co-op, which believes that life outside is essential.

Research demonstrates numerous physical and mental benefits to heading out your door.

Unfortunately, one in three Americans simply don't have outside spaces close to where

they live.

Challenges range from a lack of public transportation to a highway that cuts off a neighborhood

from a park to systemic issues.

It's a problem that affects the entire country, which is why REI is on a mission to get every

American outside in five minutes or less.

The movement is called outside in five, and it includes a combination of support for

local community-led organizations and a national campaign to pass the outdoors for all act.

Whether it's re-greening city blocks, creating safe bike lanes, or simply making our outdoor

spaces more equitable, together we can make getting to the park, a walk in the park.

Learn more and take action at REI.com-forward-slash-outside-in-five.

From outside magazine, this is the outside podcast.

A few weeks ago, those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere were set up for an exceptional

show of shooting stars.

The Percy Admedia shower, caused by debris from a comet, happens every July and August.

And this year, activity would be peaking just before a new moon, meaning a dark sky and

ideal viewing.

I was on vacation during the peak, and I was excited to watch the spectacle, but sitting

in the backyard of where I was staying, I couldn't actually see much.

The problem?

...