The Perseids Meteor Shower

Once a year we get treated to the best meteor shower our area has to offer. This year it promises to be spectacular because on August 10th, the moon is a waxing crescent. The Moon will set by 9:45 pm and we will have the entire wonderfully dark sky to watch the meteors in.It's called the Perseids because the shower starts in the constellation Perseus (remember the guy who rides Pegasus and slays the Krakken with Medusa's head?)

What's it like? You and your friends and family will arrive around 7:30/ 8:00pm and park in a dirt parking lot where you will then be guided to where you can set up your blankets and beach chairs in order to sit back (or lie back) and enjoy the show. The sky will be dark. Everyone around you will have red plastic over their flashlights so your night vision gets really good. And as you look up, every few seconds a star will shoot across the sky. Sometimes it's really bright and streaks the entire distance. Sometimes it is faint and you see more than one. In the peak of this meteor show, you can expect to count up to 90 meteors an hour. The later it gets, the darker it gets, the easier it is to see them.

What should you bring? Bring warm clothes and blankets you don't mind getting dirty. Bring something warm and non-alcoholic to drink. Bring snacks and red glow sticks or we will give you red plastic to put over your flashlight. People love to have beach chairs or camp chairs so they don't strain their neck. Think about what you need to be comfy to spend a few hours looking UP. Oh and please bring water, this is a dry park. We do have a restroom.Some folks like to bring their dinner in picnic form. Please keep in mind that because this is a dry park, we cannot allow fire of any kind, so sorry, no BBQs. But you are welcome to bring other tasty foods!

Who can come? Please bring your family and friends, but do leave your pets at home for this one. We are in a nature preserve and even the smallest puppy has a smell like a predator that can disturb the local wildlife. Certified assistant animals are of course permitted, but should be on leash and have their special vest so others understand they are working. If you have a disability or a senior citizen, please let us know at the front gate and we will allow you to park closer, or at least unload close to where you can view the stars.

This year we will stay out with you until midnight so we can see as many shooting stars as possible. The actual peak is late Sunday night, but we know lots of people have to work the next day, so our event is one night early. You do not have to stay until midnight, but are welcome to.Please let us know if you'd like to come so we can get an idea of how many to expect.