Date: Friday, August 10th, 2018
Time: 8:30–11pm
Place: Yerkes Observatory
Fee: $5 per person ages 6+ (children 5 and under free), cash at the door

With another year comes another chance to beat the clouds and see the spectacular Perseid Meteor shower! 

What are the Perseids? Every year in August, debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle plunges into Earth’s atmosphere, burning up and causing the display of “shooting stars” that we see. Thus the show is not really caused by falling stars, but instead by the Earth’s passing through the comet’s debris stream.

Yerkes will once again be hosting an event for viewing the meteor shower, along with opportunities to see nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial wonders through small telescopes on the lawn. Night sky guides will be on hand to point out stars and constellations. Interactive activities will also be provided to help you explore the phenomenon occurring in the sky.

As at all Yerkes Education events, we welcome everyone, regardless of age or ability. We strive to serve the young and the old, the sighted and the blind, the beginner and the experienced, the hearing and the deaf, and people from all over our far-reaching community.

August nights can sometimes get chilly, so please bring long sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants, and wear shoes or sneakers. Please apply bug spray BEFORE you come to the event, NOT at it. Children must be accompanied by adults. No pets, please. Since meteors are usually best viewed while lying down, you may want to bring a blanket or reclining lawn chair. You may also want to bring binoculars to scan the beautiful sights of the summer Milky Way.

The weather's looking good, so we're officially on for Friday (no event on Saturday)! We are at capacity, but walk-ins will be accepted starting at 9:00 if we still have room.​ See you soon!