Event to Highlight Perseid Meteor Shower

Amateur astronomer Greg Christensen sets up his portable telescope during a star party in Klamath Falls last month. Another astronomy event focusing on the Perseid meteor shower is slated for Aug. 11. (Submitted Photo)

The Klamath County Museum will host star parties in three locations on Saturday, Aug. 11, to highlight the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Amateur astronomers will be set up in the parking lot on Klamath Avenue across the county library, at the Fort Klamath Museum, and at the Gilchrist School football field. The event is free. Participants are encouraged to arrive around 9 p.m. at each location.

The meteor shower produces so-called “shooting stars” during early August every year. The event peaks Aug. 11 through 13.

“Conditions for viewing the meteor shower will be nearly ideal this year, as the event falls on a weekend when there’s a new moon,” said museum manager Todd Kepple. “We want to encourage everyone to observe this natural phenomenon, and so we’ll have volunteer astronomers set up in three different places around the county.”

The best viewing will be in locations far away from city lights. Glare from even a single street light can diminish conditions considerably. The most meteors are likely to be seen in the early-morning hours.

“You want to find a place that is very dark, and where there is a comfortable place to lie down on a blanket or sleeping bag,” Kepple said. “We’ve found Fort Klamath to be a good spot, and we’ll have bathrooms available. Viewing in town will not be as good, but for people who don’t have time to drive out of town, that may be the best option.”

Telescopes will be available for viewing planets and deep-sky objects at all three locations. Smoke may limit visibility somewhat, but the event will take place regardless.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothing, as temperatures drop rapidly after nightfall.

“The meteor shower actually peaks on Sunday night, but our guess is that many people will prefer to stay up late on a Saturday night,” Kepple said.

For more information, contact the Klamath County Museum at (541) 882-1000.

Press release provided from the Klamath County Museum.