From Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute:
Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) invite the public to join them for observing the Geminid meteor shower. The event is scheduled at PARI Sunday, December 13, from 10 p.m. to midnight.
“The Geminids are one of the more reliable meteor showers,” said PARI Astronomer Dr. Bob Hayward. “This year, the Geminids are calculated to reach a peak of about 120 meteors per hour around 1 p.m. December 14. Thus, the best times for observing should be overnight on the 13-14th and the 14-15th. Successful observing of the Geminids can start as early as 10 p.m. as the constellation of Gemini the twins rises higher in the sky.
“Observers should choose a clear, dark location with a good horizon,” Hayward added. “The Outdoor Planetarium at PARI is an ideal dark-sky location with unobstructed views and comfortable seating, so we invite you to join us for what should be a spectacular evening. PARI astronomers and volunteers will be available to answer questions about the meteor shower and to join visitors with the expected Ooh’s and Ah’s as the meteors flash overhead.”
Participants are cautioned to dress warmly and perhaps bring a warm non-alcoholic beverage with them. PARI telescopes will be available to gaze at other astronomical objects as well.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling PARI at 828-862-5554 or visiting PARI’s website at www.pari.edu. PARI observing sessions cost $15 per person. Children 10 and under are admitted free. In the case of cloudy weather, a cancellation decision will be made by 3 p.m. and will be posted on the PARI website. Registered attendees will be informed of any cancellation by email or telephone.
About PARI
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a public not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) foundation established in 1998. Located in the Pisgah National Forest 30 miles southwest of Asheville, NC, the 200-acre campus is the former site of an historic NASA satellite tracking station. Today, PARI is a science education and research center. The site houses radio and optical telescopes, earth science instruments and the Astronomical Photographic Data Archive. Exhibit galleries display NASA Space Shuttle artifacts and collections of rare meteorites and minerals. PARI provides STEM educational programs at all levels, from K-12 through post-graduate research. For more information about PARI and its programs, visit www.pari.edu.
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