Meteors galore are on the way
A high-intensity meteor shower will light up the sky next week, and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will host an observing session 10 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Aug. 11.
Meteors can be seen with the naked eye, but weather permitting telescopes will also come out at PARI to hone in on Mars, Saturn and the waxing Moon.
The Perseids are one of the most predictable meteor showers, visible close to the same date each year. They normally peak at about 90 meteors per hour, but recent observations have noticed enhanced activity, so this year’s peak could see as many as 120 meteors per hour.
The shower will peak in the wee hours of the morning Aug. 12, but meteors will be visible for several days on either side of that date.
$15, with registration open through 3 p.m. Aug. 11; children 10 and under are free. Register at www.pari.edu or 828.862.5554.
PARI is located in Transylvania County off of N.C. 215, about 35 miles from Waynesville.
Sarah Chappell, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
