PERSEIDS METEOR SHOWER

August 11-12, 2009  

 

Hundreds of people gathered at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) to see the peak of the annual Perseids Meteor Shower on August 11-12, 2009.  It was a suspenseful afternoon as mist and fog enshrouded the VIS leaving us wondering if we would be able to see any stars at all.  However, luck was in our favor despite the threat of Hurricane Felicia's remnants, as the clouds cleared the way for a brilliant night sky and lots of streaking meteors.  The patio at the VIS was filled with sleeping bags, cots, and oohs and aahs until 6 AM.  Many thanks to our enthusiastic and helpful volunteers who made the night one never to forget:  Gretchen Yarbrough, Michael Surprenant, Mark Wasser, Robert Albarran, Njugu Gachugu, Kate Hall, Katie Woolven, Niki Napenas, and Alex Borys.      

 


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                           Volunteers Njugu, Robert, Kate, Niki, Alex, Mark, Katie and                                                Many of our public visitors stayed the entire night.  This picture

                                          Gretchen made the night fun and informative!                                                                 was taken at 10:15pm!

        

                         

 

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                               Just a few scattered clouds didn't keep us from seeing lots of                                       It was a long night, but this member of the public got the 

                                               stars and shooting stars.                                                                                                    best spot to catch a few zzzzzzzs.