Join Matt Krugg, teacher, naturalist, storyteller and constellation buff at the Tin Mountain Conservation Center Nature Program, “Perseid Meteor Shower” on Sunday, August 12 at 8 PM at the Jackson Field Station. The Perseid shower is spawned by the comet Swift-Tuttle, a comet known to be observed as far back as 69 AD. Swift-Tuttle has been described as “the single most dangerous object known to humanity” because of its size and proximity to earth. No need to be alarmed, however, for it is not until the year 4479, around September 15 that scientists predict a close encounter with earth; and, it is not until 2126 that the comet will be be seen by the naked eye. Fortunately what can be seen by the naked eye each year from the vantage point of earth is the prolific debris from the tail of the comet, scientifically referred to as meteroids, commonly known as falling or shooting stars.
Night sky observers at this nature program will learn how to read the summer night sky much as a road map, as Matt Krugg points out the stars and constellations intermixed with captivating stories of ancient mythology. And when the time is right, he will point you in the direction of constellation Perseus, the area of the sky where the meteors will appear to radiate provided the sky is dark and clear, and on a good show one might see as many as 100 meteors per hour. Bring a blanket, tactical flashlight and binoculars. Reservation rquested. For more information and to register for this program call Tin Mountain Conservation Center at 603-477-6991.
Donations of $3 per person, $5 per family are requested. Meet at the parking area at the bottom of the field station in Jackson, NH off of Tin Mine Rd . Tin Mountain Conservation Center is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit environmental education organization providing an appreciation of the environment through hands on learning for over thirty years. Nature Programs are open to the public and are made possible by the L.L. Bean and the Evenor Armington Fund. For more information on Tin Mountain Conservation Center or this program visit www.tinmountain.org or 603-447-6991.