Perseids Watch Party

Count meteors with us on this special August night and you’ll likely see dozens of “shooting stars.” This summer delight is part of the Perseids, our best known meteor shower. But what causes it, and why does it occur at the same time each year? Even more intriguing, what prompted its source comet to shift from an expected collision course with Earth? Come learn about the friendly forces in our solar system and how they still give us brilliant fireworks every August, albeit from a safer distance.

This special Perseids Meteor Shower Watch Party is designed as a full, immersive experience. We will begin the evening with a presentation at 9:00 p.m., covering what causes meteor showers, why the Perseids are so prolific, and how to get the most out of your viewing experience.

After the presentation, we’ll head out to the observatory's three main telescopes to explore planets, star clusters, and other summer night highlights. Telescope viewing will conclude at 11:30 p.m., after which we will turn our attention fully to the night sky, reclining and watching meteors streak overhead as Perseid activity continues to build.