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Contact: Janice Elvidge, 509.633.9188 ext 12
August 11th and 12th It’s here! The peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower! Meteors can be observed any time during the month of August, but the best viewing will be on the 12th and 13th in the early morning before dawn. During this time of the year the Earth intersects with the orbit of dust particles left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle in 1992 and the results are spectacular. As an increasing number of open spaces are converted to urban or suburban areas, the beauty and wonder of the night sky is disappearing. The universe becomes obscured by the dull electric glow of every street lamp, house light and neon sign that casts its light into the night sky, making places of undisturbed darkness like Lake Roosevelt vital and unique. Our nation’s National and State Parks are some of the few places left where the night sky isn’t obscured by light pollution. To enjoy the meteor shower there will be two night sky watch programs hosted by the National Park Service and Washington State Parks. The first program will be at Steamboat Rock State Park on Friday August 11th at 9:00 PM. We will meet at the Amphitheater in the Day Use Area. The second program will be at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area’s Keller Ferry Campground on Saturday August 12th at 9:00 PM. Meet at the Amphitheater and we will move to our stargazing location. We begin each program with an orientation to the night sky and then enjoy the night as we explore the sky above. We will have tools to observe the night sky, but bring your own telescopes and binoculars, and chairs or blankets so you can be comfortable while observing the sky. The best way to observe meteors is in a reclining lawn chair or laying on the ground! Be prepared for a variety of weather. We will only cancel if the sky is too obscured by clouds. Come join park rangers from Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and Steamboat Rock State Park for an evening of looking to the stars! For more information contact Janice Elvidge at 509-633-9188 ext. 12 or visit the Lake Roosevelt NRA park web site www.nps.gov/laro. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015