Calling all fellow stargazers, join us Saturday, August 10 for a very special Meteor Shower Overnight!
The Perseid Meteor Shower, which peaks that weekend, provides one of the best shows for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere. Debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating long and dramatic streaks of light. In dark sky locations, 50 or more meteors may be visible every hour!
Our event opens at 6:45pm, and programming runs from 7:00 until 9:30pm. As we wait for the sky to darken, chose from a menu of opportunities:
- Explore the grounds on a dusk nature walk
- Join an interactive flashlight tour of the Mineral Gallery
- Investigate the asteroid that toppled the dinosaurs
- Embark on a Planet Walk to experience the scale of the Solar System
- Stop in for a meteor-focused planetarium show
- Play a round of artist-designed mini-golf at the Cranbrook Art Museum
- Explore self-guided activities and a meteor scavenger hunt!
By 9:30pm, it’s time to set up camp either in the museum or outside under the stars. As the skies darken, the Observatory will open and, outdoors, our naturalist will lead a hunt for bats and owls.
Stargazing will take place on top of the specially-darkened parking structure, joined by local astronomers – or you can pick your favorite spot on the grass. We’ll provide snacks for the show!
For greatest comfort, pack flashlights/headlamps, bug spray, and picnic blankets or lawn chairs.
Not ready to sleep? Back at the museum a late-night movie adds to the fun!
In the morning, coffee and a light breakfast will be served from 5:00-7:30am, guests will depart the museum by 8:00am.
Pricing:
$125 per person nonmembers
$106 per person members
This event is designed for guests ages 5 and above.
This is a rain or shine event – in case of bad weather we’ll move the celebration inside!
Registration closes 5:00pm on August 8.