Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces Celestial Stakeout Program for Perseids Meteor Shower
NANTUCKET, MA – The Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces an upcoming “Celestial Stakeout” evening program for the Perseids Meteor Shower. A meteor is a space rock that enters Earth’s atmosphere, commonly referred to as a “shooting star”. A meteor shower is when Earth encounters many meteoroids at once. Join MMA professional astronomers and staff for a very special, early-morning sky gazing event at Surfside Beach. On the evening of Sunday, August 13th, from 10:00pm to 11:00pm, we will peer into the skies to observe the Perseids Meteor Shower, which peaks in mid-August. The Perseids is often a spectacular celestial show of bright and swift meteors. It is possible to view between 50-100 meteors per hour. Perseids are also known for their fireballs; larger explosions of light and color that can persist longer than an average meteor streak.
The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.
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For Immediate Release
July 28, 2023
Contact: Grace Baisley
marketinginterns@mariamitchell.org
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