Perseid meteor shower

Join Mid-Kent Astronomical Society to see Perseid meteor shower

The best time to see the potentially spectacular Perseid meteor shower is late on August 12 – and perhaps one of the best places is with the Mid-Kent Astronomical Society at Northwood Hill.

The enthusiastic group is holding a Meteor Watch night on the Sunday evening at the at the RSPB nature reserve near High Halstow.

It is predicted to be the peak of the shower which is an annual event caused by the Earth flying through the dusty debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle on its 130 year orbit of the Sun.

The public are invited from 9pm onwards to gaze at the skies and hopefully witness the meteors as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

They advise bringing a beach chair or sun lounger or a waterproof sheet to sit on and a dim red torch, but definitely not one with white light.

And dress warmly bringing perhaps a flask as it may get cold.

MKAS event organiser Ian Hargraves said “This is an ideal opportunity to learn about one of nature’s wonders, meteors. There will also be an opportunity to spot one of man’s greatest wonders, the International Space Station as it passes overhead.”

He added: “Meteor Watches are great fun for the whole family and you will have an opportunity to create a map of the meteors that you spot as a permanent reminder, so bring a pen with you. We will also have telescopes set up for unforgettable views of some of the planets and we will be giving guided tours of the night sky using lasers.”

The event cost £6 for adults and £4 children under 16 years, with a £2 discount for members of the RSPB which is also running a moth counting session.

Ian said booking is vital and then meet in the main car park at RSPB Northward Hill, Bromhey Farm, between High Halstow and Cooling, ME3 8DS. There are toilets at the car park.

To book in advance phone 01634 222480.