Mammoth Cave National Park to host viewing party for meteor shower

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – Mammoth Cave National Park is hosting a viewing party for the the Perseids meteor shower on Friday, July 18.

The park’s Star Party will last from 7 to 10 p.m.

During this time, park rangers and volunteers will present an evening program about the night sky with telescopes and Junior Ranger Night Explorer books as meteors stream overhead.

Park officials say the night sky events begin at the outdoor amphitheater near the Camp Store with a program that discusses the importance of the night sky to plants, animals and humans.

As the sunset turns into the night sky, the group will then go to the bus loop of the visitor center, where several telescopes will be set up to view the night sky.

Park rangers and volunteers from the Western Kentucky University Astronomy Club will be on hand to answer questions to identify celestrial objects.

Participants are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for the viewing experience.

Local astronomers are also invited to bring their own telescopes and set them up in the bus loop. All activities are weather dependent and may be canceled if hazardous weather occurs.