by Mary Wilson
Arches National Park in Utah will host a “Moon and Meteors” special event at Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Picnic Area in Arches National Park on the evening of Aug. 11.
The annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks between Aug. 10 and 13, may produce as many as 50 to 100 meteors an hour from 10 p.m. until pre-dawn. The park will offer a special ranger-led night sky/stargazing event to help visitors enjoy this unique experience.
Arches National Park is located on N. Highway 191, Moab, Utah in the U.S.
Rangers will be on site from 9 to 11 p.m. to focus telescopes on the Moon, Saturn, and various deep sky objects. Visitors may independently stargaze and search for meteors from along the Balanced Rock trail.
Visitors wishing to participate in this special, free event are reminded to:
- Carpool to limit traffic congestion, parking is limited
- Bring their own chairs, water, and flashlights (preferably red ones to protect night vision)
- Bring personal binoculars or stargazing equipment if you have them
- Stay on trails, paved surfaces, or bare rock to avoid stepping on fragile soil crust
To learn more about how the National Park Service protects night skies and natural darkness, visit Nature.nps.gov/night/index.cfm.
