Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Perseid Meteor Shower Aug 11



Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will be open all night from Tuesday evening, Aug. 11, until dawn on Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, to allow the public to view the Perseid Meteor shower.

Refuge Manager Lou Hinds said, “We plan to extend visiting hours later than normal to permit overnight viewing of the Perseid Meteor shower. Anyone wishing to see the meteor shower must arrive on the refuge before the entrance gate closes at 10 p.m. However, visitors not wishing to stay overnight may leave at any time.”

Public access to trails and other visitor facilities will be prohibited after 10 p.m., but beach parking will remain open. All campfires will be prohibited after 10 p.m. to enhance nighttime viewing opportunities, especially since many people believe this is one of the most rewarding sky-watching events of the year.

The Perseid meteor shower begins in mid-July with a few meteors striking through the sky each evening. The peak of the shower has been forecasted for the 11th and 12th of August, where spectators are likely to view 10 to 150 meteors per hour, if the skies are clear and dark. This famous meteor shower has been observed for over 2000 years, by spectators all around the world.




VIA

1 comment:

jmmb said...

I can't wait for that!!! Guess I'll be up all night watching!!