Meteor Shower This Saturday Through Monday

Professional skywatchers promise that if conditions are clear, we should be in for an impressive show overhead this weekend courtesy of the annual Perseids meteor shower.

We should be able to see sixty to seventy meteors streaking across the sky each hour.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is again offering their "Meteors and 'Smores" programs this weekend; find details of which parks and what times via this link to the MI DNR website.

The DNR writes:

"Grab your favorite people for one of nature’s greatest “light” shows – the perseid meteor shower. Join local astronomy experts under the night sky to view this annual display of “falling stars” while you enjoy s’mores provided by the park. All that's needed is a blanket or lawn chair to experience what will likely become an annual family tradition!

Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

In case of inclement weather, a rain date will be announced closer to programming."

Space.com says that, "The Perseid meteor shower is always popular, but this year's peak — which occurs on the nights of Aug. 11 to 12 and Aug. 12 to 13 — will be particularly spectacular this year because the moon will be a thin crescent and set early, leaving a dark canvas for the meteors' bright streaks and fireballs."