Your Family's Guide to Enjoying the Perseid Meteor Showers
by Brita Johnson
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and it can be so fun to share the magic with them - especially when that magic involves getting to wish on actual shooting stars!
The annual Perseid meteor showers begin in mid-July, peaking in mid-August and continuing for another 10 days past their peak. This year, the peak dates - during which more than one meteor per minute will streak across the northern skies - will be the early mornings of August 11, 12 and 13.
From the humorous to the scientific, here are some resources for enjoying this year’s Perseid meteor showers!
What
A quick guide to the Perseid meteor phenomenon - specific to 2020
A resource aimed at helping young children understand what they’ll be seeing
A scientific explanation for older kids in your family
Space art courtesy of E, age 4. Photo: Brita Johnson
How
From Steam Powered Family, a great nitty-gritty guide to getting out to watch the show, plus some book suggestions
More
More kid-level book suggestions from the Indianapolis Public Library
An easy meteor shower craft to do at home
Some other space-related crafts, from NASA
Explore, enjoy - and may all your wishes come true!
P.S. Here’s a humorous take on how to watch meteor showers with a toddler.