Perseid Meteor Shower Mountaintop Campout

August 11, 2008

The sky is falling once again during the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. On Monday, August 11, there will be a Perseid Meteor Shower Family Campout. Families can camp under the stars and watch the night sky light-up at the best viewing location in Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley USA's High Camp, el. 8200'.

The Perseids come every year beginning in late July and stretching into August. Among the many nights of the shower, there is always the one night that the viewing of the shower is at its best. This year, that evening falls on Monday, August 11. Sky watchers can witness colorful fireballs, occasional outbursts and almost always, long hours of gracefully streaking meteors.

Perseid Meteor Shower campers can upload the Cable Car between 5 pm and 6:30 pm. Upon arriving at High Camp, guests have the option of starting off the evening with a sunset hike around Squaw Valley’s upper mountain peaks or eating dinner at the mountaintop cafe. Following, there will be an informational briefing on telescopes as well as campfire activities and at 10 pm, the meteor shower viewing will begin! In the morning, from 7 am to 8 am, campers will enjoy a continental breakfast before downloading the Cable Car.

Reservations for the Perseid Meteor Shower Campout are required. Registrants will receive a detailed information packet along with confirmation. For more information and to make reservations please call 530-452-7110.

Event Schedule

5:00 - 8:40 pm- Guest arrival. Check in. Tent Setup
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Sunset Hike (optional)
7:00 - 8:00 pm- Mountaintop Dinner (optional - not included in price)
9:40 - 7:00 am - Campfire/Camping
10:00 pm - Meteor shower viewing!
7:00 -8:00 am- Continental Breakfast
8:00 -9:20 am - Cable Car downloads

Price: Adults (16 and over): $60, Youngsters (15 and younger): $40
Includes: Professional stargazers on site to assist guests with questions about meteor shower. Viewing telescopes provided. -Campsite -Continental Breakfast

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/meteors/12362121.html