Perseid Meteor Shower

***This event has been cancelled.***

Due to the many lingering concerns with the Covid-19 outbreak, we regretfully must cancel our annual Perseid Meteor Shower event. However, you are welcome to independently view the Perseids from Newport State Park.

Every August, the Northern Hemisphere is treated to one of nature’s most popular celestial events, the Perseid Meteor Shower. It is a result of the earth passing through the dust and debris trail of the Comet Swift-Tuttle. The best place to view the meteor shower is away from city lights and areas of light pollution, not an easy task if you live in an urban environment. Find a dark spot well after sundown, get comfortable in a place you can lay back to get a wide view of the sky, and be patient.

If you are reading this and are lucky enough to be in Door County, think about watching the shower at Newport State Park, Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. After years of going through a strict application process, Newport received this distinct honor from International Dark Sky Association (IDA) in 2017.

If you come to the park to independently view the Perseids, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings and terrain when going into dark areas.
• If using a light or headlamp, try to use one with a red lens to protect night vision. This is not only for your benefit, but for others that may be there too. It only takes a small amount of light to ruin night vision and it will take your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. If you do not have a light with a red lens, you can put red duct tape over your flashlight. A red balloon or red cellophane will also work. If nothing else, keep your light pointed down so it does not shine in others’ eyes.
• You will want to bring a comfortable chair or a blanket and bug spray.
• Be mindful of others; maintain social distancing; keep noise and other distractions to a minimum.
• More information about dark sky viewing at Newport State Park is here.