Spread a blanket with other sky watchers and watch streaks of light dart overhead at the “Perseid Pajama Party.” The Grand Rapids Public Museum, in conjunction with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association, announced today the return of this successful event to Cascade Township Park on August 12 and 13.
When the annual Perseid Meteor Shower reached its peak over the past two years, the sky was flooded with obscuring moonlight. This year, the moon will be in a new phase, making the meteor shower visible once again.
The event will take place August 12 and 13 from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Cascade Township Park. The event is free to the public. GRAAA members will orient viewers, conduct sky talks and oversee telescopes for the viewing of Saturn and other sky objects.
The Perseid meteors typically become more numerous after midnight, when the constellation Perseus, from which the blazing streaks of space debris seem to radiate, climbs high in the sky. Participants are able to come and go throughout the event. Parking is located on the grounds, but will not interfere with viewing.
Sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothing are recommended for the evening. Space will be available for lawn chairs and picnicking. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Flashlights are permitted, but please use them sparingly and keep pointed at the ground to not interfere with overhead viewing.
Recommended routes to Cascade Township Park include: 36th Street east from Kraft to Thornapple River Drive, and then just north over the I96 overpass to Nik Kik Drive, or 28thStreet east to Thorncrest and then south to Nik Kik Drive, just before the overpass.
The “Pajama Party” will be held only if the sky is clear. For status updates, please visit www.graaa.org.
