10th August 2024 7 pm to 00.30 am
Perseids Shooting Stars Gift Package includes:
PLEASE NOTE: Gates open at 7 pm and there will be a talk at 9 pm 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 7 pm the gates will be closed at 8 pm so please arrive before then.
If you wish to purchase hot food on the night then our Launch Box catering unit will be open from 7 pm - 8.30 pm before the talk starts. Every purchase helps to supprt us and The Launch Box serves:
The Cafe will also be open for hot/cold drinks and snacks, plus alcoholic beverages.
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 14th July until 1st September. 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.
The evening aims to be both informal and informative. 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.
