The Perseid Meteor Shower
Children often look up into the sky, waiting to finally spot a shooting star from which they can make their special wish on. The Perseid Meteor Shower is the perfect opportunity for these wishes to be granted, taking place on August 12-15, with the best viewing usually occurring between midnight and dawn.
The Shower is named after one of the main heroes from Greek mythology named Perseus, who successfully killed numerous archaic monsters including Medusa and Gorgon. The constellation Perseus rises in the northeast in the evening and is the area from which the meteors seem to radiate. Chipper reminds everyone to scan the sky with their eyes, rather than focusing on a single spot, for the best meteor shower experience.
Chipper’s Meteor Shower Checklist:
1) Bundle up! Since meteor showers occur late at night and last through the early morning, be sure to bundle up to stay warm. Also, spread out a blanket on the ground and lie back to easily see the shower above.
2) Capture It! Meteor showers are a perfect time for kids to draw what they see in the skies. Help them identify patterns, constellations, and count the endless amount of shooting stars.
3) Delicious Goodies! Snacks are essential to make the event more enjoyable, while helping viewers stay awake – Chipper recommends eating his favorite, s’mores!
4) Good Company! Make it a fun nighttime adventure and invite friends and family to step into the great outdoors.
5) The Great Outdoors! In this case, location is essential. If possible, view the shower in an open field or in an area with minimal lighting, away from the bright city lights. If not, your own backyard works great too!
