UIS partners to hold Perseid meteor shower viewing at Lincoln Memorial Garden

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield is partnering with Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society to give members of the community a chance to view the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

WHEN: Friday, August 12, 2016 from 8 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lakeshore Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Perseid meteor shower is well known for producing frequent bright meteors annually during the second week in August.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, and members of the Sangamon Astronomical Society will be on hand to guide observing of the meteors as well as the planets Mars and Saturn.

The viewing will take place in the Cawley Medow at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Participants should dress appropriately for the temperature and may want to wear bug repellant since the event is outdoors.

This event may be canceled due to clouds or rain. The status of the viewing can be checked by calling the UIS Astronomy Department at 217/206-8342 after 6 p.m. on the night of the event. The UIS Observatory will also provide updates on Twitter @UISObservatory.

For more information, contact John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.