Some of my fondest memories of growing up are of the times that my mom prepared stargazing nights for us on the deck. She would bring all the big comfy blankets outside to create a fluffy bed and then top it with sleeping bags to cuddle under. Before it got dark she’d bring out a feast of snacks such as popcorn and penny candies and a selection of drinks. After the sun had fully set we’d all head out to the deck, snuggle in our sleeping bags and watch for falling stars. There’s something so magical about a “falling star” and I’d be filled with such a sense of awe as I caught one streaking across the sky. We of course wished on every one! A great thing about stargazing is that there’s a lot of wait time that can be spent talking and dreaming. I remember my brother and I imagining that the blinking red flash of a satellite was really a U.F.O and trying to create our own constellations out of the groupings of stars.

On August 12-13 you will have the perfect opportunity to partake in a stargazing adventure of your own as our planet will be passing through the Perseids meteor shower, which is actually debris of the orbiting comet Swift-Tuttle. The shower is already visible now so if you have plans those nights definitely make sure to try earlier but it will peak on the evening of the 12th and early hours of the 13th. Being that we live in the northern hemisphere we have the best vantage point. The expected frequency of this shower is supposed to be up to 60 meteors an hour! What a fabulous opportunity, especially for younger kids who don’t have the patience to wait more than a minute to see a meteor!

Of course, if you have young kids like I do, it would be insane to keep them up that late so make it a date night for you and your spouse. I can’t wait to start a Perseid shower tradition in my family and I am already making my list of wishes because I’m thinking that 60 falling stars an hour gives me pretty good chances!