Want to see something out of this world? Join us as astronomer Steve Schneider offers an evening to experience the Perseid meteor shower and the constellations of the summer sky. The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle and it takes its name from the constellation Perseus.

At the Sunderland Library on Friday, August 11 at 8:00 pm, Prof. Schneider will give a 30-minute presentation about the origins of meteor showers. Then we’ll head outside to view the night sky where Steve will point out the constellations and tell some of their stories as we watch for meteors. This evening is expected to be the peak of shooting star intensity! If you have a comfortable lawn chair that will let you lean back, bring it along.

Important Note on the Event Date: This event was originally scheduled for Saturday, August 12 – the date of the peak number of meteors – with a rain or cloud date of Friday, August 11. Before registering, we asked that everyone be prepared to attend EITHER evening depending on conditions. Because the forecast for Saturday evening looks to be rainy, we will hold the event on Friday evening instead.

Steve Schneider is Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at UMass Amherst. His research is primarily focused on galaxies using radio telescopes, and he has written two textbooks on Astronomy. He has also worked with middle and high school teachers on science curricula, and he does public presentations at the UMass Sunwheel each equinox and solstice. Steve is also participates in Kestrel’s Plein Air Painting events with the Amherst Plein Air Society.

Space is limited and registration is required with a sliding-scale donation.

Header image: Mount Pollux during meteor shower by Jamie Malcolm-Brown.