Posted: July 27, 2015 International Latitude Observatory The Perseids meteor shower is an annual astronomical event, so called because it appears as if the meteors are coming from the constellation Perseus. This year it peaks on August 13, when 50 to 100 meteors will cross the night sky every hour. The Gaithersburg Community Museum is hosting a free Stargazing event to watch the meteors at Observatory Park on Thursday, August 13 from 9:30 to 11 p.m. No telescopes are needed, just a comfortable blanket or lawn chair so you can relax while watching the meteors streak past. Observatory Park is located at 100 DeSellum Avenue. Although the park will be dark, we ask that you please not bring a bright flashlight. Red light is less intrusive to other watchers, and red cellophane will be available to cover any white light flashlights. While the meteors will be showering all night, the event will only be hosted at the park from 9:30 to 11 p.m. You can continue to stargaze on your own if you are so inclined. Because it will be dark and people will be lying on the ground and therefore not very visible, we ask families to keep young children close. As always, stargazing events are weather permitting. Last minute announcements will be posted on the Museum’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GaithersburgCommunityMuseum. Also, please note that there are no restrooms available, and parking adjacent to Observatory Park is very limited. There will be overflow parking available in the St. Martin’s field at the corner of DeSellum Avenue and Route 355, one block from the park. For more information contact the Gaithersburg Community Museum.

http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/news/press-releases/2015/07/20150727-observatory-park-to-host-stargazing-event-for-perseids-meteor-shower]]>