Look up this weekend for a chance to see the Perseid Meteor Shower (and join the Dark Sky Caravan as it comes into town)
Aug 10, 2023 08:33AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Prokhor Minin
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 7, 2023
Think lots of clear-sky thoughts this week, because there may be a chance to see the Perseid Meteor Shower this weekend.
Peaking on August 12-13, viewers can expect to see a few meteors per hour, up to 100 per hour in dark sky locations. The best time for viewing is between midnight and dawn, according to one National Park Service ranger, but if you don't want to stay up that late you should be able to catch some after sunset.
The International Dark Sky Organization states, "Each August for at least the last 2,000 years the Earth’s orbit has swept through debris shed by a comet called Swift-Tuttle that last graced Earth’s skies in 1992."
While the comet itself won't return until sometime in the 2100s, Earth moves through the debris each year, which burns at 1000 degrees "due to friction between the dust and air molecules."
2023 promises to allow viewers an even better chance at seeing the shooting stars because the moon will only be 8-10% lit as it heads to a waning crescent - meaning extra dark skies.
For an extra special viewing experience, Cook County visitors and community members can join a star party with the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium's Dark Sky Caravan tour.
The Dark Sky Caravan will be in Grand Marais at North House Folk School on August 10, Seagull Lake Community Center on August 11, and Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center on August 12.
The Star Parties start at 8pm (and run until 11pm), and attendees can enjoy fun activities and presentations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view through telescopes and get a live night sky tour. The events will still take place if it's cloudy or if there is inclement weather.
To learn more, visit: https://scse.d.umn.edu/marshall-w-alworth-planetarium/public-showsevents/events
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 7, 2023
Think lots of clear-sky thoughts this week, because there may be a chance to see the Perseid Meteor Shower this weekend.
Peaking on August 12-13, viewers can expect to see a few meteors per hour, up to 100 per hour in dark sky locations. The best time for viewing is between midnight and dawn, according to one National Park Service ranger, but if you don't want to stay up that late you should be able to catch some after sunset.
The International Dark Sky Organization states, "Each August for at least the last 2,000 years the Earth’s orbit has swept through debris shed by a comet called Swift-Tuttle that last graced Earth’s skies in 1992."
While the comet itself won't return until sometime in the 2100s, Earth moves through the debris each year, which burns at 1000 degrees "due to friction between the dust and air molecules."
2023 promises to allow viewers an even better chance at seeing the shooting stars because the moon will only be 8-10% lit as it heads to a waning crescent - meaning extra dark skies.
For an extra special viewing experience, Cook County visitors and community members can join a star party with the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium's Dark Sky Caravan tour.
The Dark Sky Caravan will be in Grand Marais at North House Folk School on August 10, Seagull Lake Community Center on August 11, and Chik Wauk Museum and Nature Center on August 12.
The Star Parties start at 8pm (and run until 11pm), and attendees can enjoy fun activities and presentations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view through telescopes and get a live night sky tour. The events will still take place if it's cloudy or if there is inclement weather.
To learn more, visit: https://scse.d.umn.edu/marshall-w-alworth-planetarium/public-showsevents/events
