A chance to make your dreams come true: Meteor shower viewing event to be held at Silver Lake in Highland
Get your wishes ready. The most spectacular show in the sky will happen soon as shooting stars streak through the atmosphere during the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. Astronomers are predicting that this year’s meteor shower will be even more dazzling than years past, with more meteors visible every few minutes.
HeartLands Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit serving southwestern Illinois, is hosting a free event to watch the meteor shower on Friday, Aug. 12 at Silver Lake in Highland. The event begins at 9 p.m., with presentations from the River Bend Astronomy Club and views of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. The meteors will be visible around midnight.
The astronomy club will provide telescopes and information about the Perseid Meteor Shower, light pollution, and the night sky. Jeff Menz of Highland, a member of the River Bend Astronomy Club, also will be bringing an activity called, “Meteorite, Meteor Wrong” to explain how to tell if a rock is an Earth rock or meteorite. Menz will also have a collection of meteorites on display.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray, and flashlights. Drinks and dessert will also be provided.
The “Star Trek,” as the event is named, is a part of HeartLands Conservancy’s free treks series.
“Our treks are meant to encourage people to get outdoors and experience the natural wonders we have right here in southwestern Illinois,” said Mary Vandevord, interim CEO for HeartLands Conservancy. “Highland Silver Lake is a great place to experience, not only the meteor shower, but nocturnal wildlife such as bats, owls, and deer.
“Through generous support from Prairie State Generating, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, America’s Central Port, and the city of Highland, we are able to offer this event for free,” Vandevord said.
About the event
Where: Silver Lake Park in Highland
When: Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, with best views around midnight
Cost: Free
RSVP: Those interested in attending should RSVP by Aug. 10 to treks@heartlandsconservancy.org or call (618) 566-4451, ext. 23, with the number and ages of people coming.
For more information: riverbendastro.org or HeartLandsConservancy.org
This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 8:22 AM with the headline "A chance to make your dreams come true: Meteor shower viewing event to be held at Silver Lake in Highland."