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Post date: Jul 26, 2012 12:52:17 AM
Update 10 August 2012 - EVENT IS CANCELLEDWe are CANCELING the August 12, 2012 meteor shower star party at Yerkes. We are so disappointed that the forecast for Sunday evening is rainy weather. :(
However, remember that meteor showers last several days! Friday and Saturday nights promise better weather. So if you can find a dark spot, watch for the Perseid meteors on the nights before or after the predicted maximum.
You can find more information about the Meteor Shower and other great resources for observing the night sky at http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/planner.cfm
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next star party on September 22nd, clear or cloudy. September 22nd is International Observe the Moon night; our event be held at the Lions Field House in Williams Bay, 8pm to 10pm.
Yerkes Observatory is offering a special opportunity for people to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower safely and comfortably.
Every year in August, the Earth passes through the debris stream of Comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in many “falling stars” that appear to come from the constellation
Perseus. Astronomers estimate there will be dozens of meteors per hour, some of them bright, and all best seen with the unaided eye. Participants may also view various other astronomical sights through small telescopes. Some indoor activities will also be available. If the sky is cloudy the event will be canceled.
The program will run from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012. Night sky guides will be on hand to point out stars and constellations.
The cost for this event is $5.00 per person, with a maximum of $15.00 per family. All children must in the company of an adult.
Available space is limited, so please pre-register through the Yerkes website: http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/.
This is also the site to learn about other events at Yerkes Observatory.
- photo from Science@NASA
Event suggestions
Despite the hot summer we have been having, August nights can sometimes get chilly, so
please bring long sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants, and wear shoes or sneakers. For
the comfort of everyone, please do NOT apply bug spray at the event. No pets please.
You may want to bring your own blankets, pillows, lawn chairs and perhaps a pair of
binoculars. If you bring a flashlight, please use a red filter or cover it with a small brown
paper bag secured with rubber bands or tape to avoid interfering with observing.
Yerkes Observatory is located at 373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Click here for map and directions.
Throughout the year Yerkes is open for free public tours on Saturday mornings, as well as offering special group tours and programs.
Dream Big Read -- Yerkes Star Party - July 28 2012
Dream Big Read -- Yerkes Star Party - July 28 2012
Yerkes Observatory will be hosting a special Star Party on Saturday, July 28, 2012 for those family members
who have participated in the public library's "Dream Big Read" summer reading program.
Registration is limited to the first 200 people who participated in the program.
We encourage all families to keep on reading this summer and register early for this great event!
Learn about other events in Williams Bay here from the Williams Bay Recreation Department.
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