The peak of the Perseid meteor shower this year is on Aug. 12 and 13.
The meteor shower actually started at the end of July and will continue through most of August as the earth passes through the remains left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which was an amazing sight as it passed through our solar system in 1862.
We will create a relaxed night at Chimney Rock with special viewing places for those who love to be there and have the night sky entertain us. You can bring blankets, etc. to lie on the ground or bring a folding chair to have a spot on “a sky bridge” with a fantastic view, or just stay in your car in the upper parking lot.
This would be a wonderful outing for the elderly who cannot walk around or someone with a baby who can be sleeping in the car. Of course, there is no hiking around in the dark due to the drop-offs in all directions.
The entrance fee is a donation. Both nights the gate will open at 7:30 p.m. and the brief program will start at 8 p.m. Sunset is at 7:58 p.m., so people need to be settled in the upper parking lot and at their viewing location before dark.
Night sky programs
There are still two night sky programs at Chimney Rock in August.
On Friday, Aug. 9, is the program called Our Solar System and is when we focus our telescopes on the moon.
The gate will open at 7 p.m., with the program at 8 p.m.
We will also have a night sky program on Aug. 30 called Stars and Galaxies. The gate will open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m.
We need volunteers for these programs, so if you can help, call Joan.
August meeting
Our August monthly meeting will be on Aug. 22, at the Methodist Church on Lewis Street.
There will be social time at 6 p.m. The program at 7 p.m. will provide an opportunity for everyone to bring your eclipse pictures and stories to share with the club.
If you are not a member but went to some exotic location, please feel welcome to come and share your experience. We had members from Mexico to Maine and many places in between. This should be super fun sharing.
About the Stargazers
If you would like to join the San Juan Stargazers, you will also receive Reflector Magazine, which is the publication of the National Astronomical League of which you automatically become a member.
To join both groups and get an excellent astronomy magazine, annual membership is only $25 per family. You can join the club at any of our events or you can join using PayPal on our website, sanjuanstargazers.org.
