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Update: With rain forecasted, Yerkes cancels Sunday show

Photo

Photo by File photo

Tours at the Yerkes Observatory are available on Saturdays in August, but there is a special opportunity to view the Perseid Meteor Shower on Sunday, Aug. 12. Register in advance to secure your spot.

Yerkes Observatory offers expansive views of the night sky all year long. File photo.

Update: Because rain is forecast this weekend, Yerkes Observatory is canceling their Aug. 12 event to watch the meteor shower.

WILLIAMS BAY--Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay is offering a special opportunity to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower safely and comfortably.

Every year in August the Earth passes through the debris stream of Comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in many “falling stars” that appear to come from the constellation Perseus. Astronomers estimate there will be dozens of meteors per hour, some of them bright and all best seen with the unaided eye.

Participants also may view various other astronomical sights through small telescopes. Indoor activities also will be available. If the sky is cloudy the event will be canceled.

The program will run from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. Night sky guides will be on hand to point out stars and constellations. The cost for this event is $5 per person, with a maximum of $15 per family. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Despite the hot summer we have been having, August nights can sometimes get chilly, so please bring long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants, and wear shoes or sneakers. For the comfort of everyone, please do not apply bug spray during at the event. No pets please.

You may want to bring your own blankets, pillows, lawn chairs and perhaps a pair of binoculars. If you bring a flashlight, please use a red filter, or cover it with a small brown paper bag secured with rubber bands or tape to avoid interfering with observing.

Available space for this Aug. 12 event is limited, so register through the Yerkes website http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/. This is also the site to learn about other events at Yerkes Observatory.

Additional tours:

Throughout the year, Yerkes is open for free public tours on Saturday mornings, as well as offering special tours and programs.

The evening sky slowly changes from month to month. Throughout the year, evening observing sessions are offered for up to 10 adults and/or children age 12 and up. Participants will observe the evening sky both with the unaided eye and then through a modern 24-inch diameter reflector. Observations only occur if weather permits.

August observing dates run from 9 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 14, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, and 28. If you wish to attend one of these dates, you must make a reservation. Send email to: rdd@yerkes.uchicago.edu or call Richard Dreiser at (262) 245-5555, ext. 880.

If you go

-- What: Observation of the August Perseid Meteor Shower

-- Where: Yerkes Observatory, 373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay

-- When: 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Aug. 12

-- Tickets: Register online at http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/ or call (262) 245-5555.