Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theatre

When:

August 11 & 12, 2017 - CLOSED

Cost:

$15 suggested donation per car

Tonight is day 2 of the Perseid Meteor Shower and the weather bomb continues to hammer our views. We can expect cloudy skies with t-storms, fog, and wind overnight tonight. There is a slight chance of periodic clearings in the hour after sunset and again after 3:00 a.m., though these are slim. The dismal forecast for tonight leaves very little chance of catching sight of Perseid meteors, and will keep Frosty Drew Observatory closed.

If you have clear skies, set out to a location with a wide open view of the sky and minimal light pollution. The 76% waning gibbous Moon will rise at 10:46 p.m. ET and will obscure most dim meteors. Lay on your back with the Moon either behind you or place the Moon behind a terrestrial object, like a tree or building to reduce the amount of moonlight you have to content with. The Perseid shower is known for producing many fireball meteors, which are bright, long-lasting meteors that often leave behind a visible streak in the sky. Even under spotty clouds, you can easily catch sight of Perseid fireballs.

Overall, if there was a year to have a clouded out Perseid Meteor Shower, 2017 is it. The bright Moon, lack of meteor outbursts, and afternoon peak hours all make for a less than awesome meteor shower. We will return to our regular Stargazing Nights schedule on Friday, August 18, 2017.

-Scott