Perseids Shooting Stars

The Perseids meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the outskirts of a cloud of debris from comet Swift-Tuttle. The dust and bits of rock left behind are called meteoroids. As they enter the Earth's atmosphere they disintegrate with the larger pieces producing bright streams - meteors - that you can see with the unaided eye before they fade away. These bright streams are also known as shooting stars and can be seen from 17th July until 24th August. The maximum is actually on the night of the 12th and the pre-dawn hours of the 13th August when you may see up to 60-80 shooting stars per hour. This year there will be no Moon to spoil the show and you should even be able to see the fainter meteors.

PLEASE NOTE: Gates open at 6.30pm and there will be a talk at 9pm by a guest speaker. All the exhibits will be available for you to explore when you arrive. While you don't need to arrive at 6.30pm the gates will be closed at 8pm so please arrive before then.

If you wish to purchase hot food on the night then our Launch Box will be open from 6.30pm - 8.30pm before the talk starts. The Launch Box serves:

• Burger & Fries
• Falafel Burger & Fries
• Frankfurter Hot Dog & Fries

Food will only be available from The Launch Box between 6.30pm and 9pm. The Cafe will also be open for hot/cold drinks and snacks plus alcoholic beverages.

The evening aims to be both informal and informative.

Our speaker this year is Greg Smye-Rumsby and the title of the talk is: 

Make a Wish: A story of the Perseids Meteor Shower

"Often referred to as ‘shooting stars’, the Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle. The meteors are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear to hail lies in the constellation Perseus. This particular shower, of which there are several throughout the year, is probably one of the most famous as the number of cometary particles seen vaporising as short streaks of light in the upper atmosphere can be seen by most people without the need for specialist equipment.”

Following the talk, if the weather is nice and clear you will have the opportunity to try and spot some fast moving meteors with the unaided eye and look through the telescopes at other interesting celestial objects.

If the weather is unsuitable for viewing, the talk will go ahead regardless and a comprehensive tour of the telescopes will replace viewing. On the tour you will be taken into domes not open to the public during the day. We do NOT cancel this event if the weather is unsuitable for viewing. 

Numbers are limited to 100 (age 18+ only), so book early to secure your place. 

Booking essential

If you are looking for a present then a Gift Ticket package for this event is available. Please go to the Gift Ticket page to purchase and find the terms and conditions.

Suitable for adults only