SPORTS + OUTDOORS

Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party - Experience Brazos Bend State Park after Dark on Tuesday, August 11th.

Brazos Bend State Park, in cooperation with the George Observatory – Houston Museum of Natural Science, is hosting a Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party on Tuesday, August 11th. The Perseid Meteor Shower typically creates fast and bright meteors that radiate from a point in the constellation Perseus and should cover a large part of the sky. The Perseids are considered by many people to be the year’s best shower when the moon is out of the way during the shower’s peak.

Unfortunately, this year’s moon is not totally out of the way during the Perseids, with the moon rising around midnight. Nonetheless, you should be able to catch a good number of Perseid Meteors before moonrise – and even after. The Perseids tend to strengthen in number as midnight ebbs toward dawn. These meteors are often bright and frequently leave persistent trains. What’s more, enhanced activity may be in the works, so perhaps enough brighter meteors can overcome the moonlight to make this year’s production breathtaking. Brazos Bend State Park’s dark skies will make it one of the best places around Houston to view the meteors.

The park’s Nature Center is a great place to start your visit, with extended hours for this event, the center will be open from 11:00am – 7:00pm. The park’s Nature Center is full of interactive displays, live animals and “touch table” exhibits. Come see and touch a baby alligator or even a snake! From 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the park’s naturalists will have a booth set up near Creekfield Lake on the trail leading to the George Observatory. They will have live animals, park information and answer question about the park and its wildlife. Experience the “sights and sounds” of the park after dark with the aid of a park naturalist.

Starting at 9:00 pm to midnight, the George Observatory will have stargazing available through its large 36” telescope. The George Observatory’s elevated observation deck will have trained astronomers available to aid in viewing the meteor shower. No special equipment is necessary to see the Perseids.

Bring a lawn chair, insect repellent and kick back and relax and gaze into the heavens to experience this annual event. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. The park gates will be open all night for the Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party. A park entrance fee is required; Adults 13 to 64 ($5), 65 to 78 ($3), Kids are free.

For more information contact Brazos Bend State Park at 979-553-5101 or visit our website at www.brazosbend.org.

Pictured:  detail of photo of George Observatory by Joseph Dellinger.