News Release

Mammoth Cave Hosts Star Party for the Perseids Meteor Shower

Mammoth Cave National Park hosts annual events where visitors may gaze through telescopes to view the moon, planets, meteors, and deep space objects.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 6, 2024

Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY.– Mammoth Cave National Park invites you experience the Perseids Meteor Shower at an evening Star Party at Mammoth Cave National Park on Monday, August 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Park rangers and volunteers will present an evening program about the night sky, provide telescopes to view a first quarter moon and deep sky objects, and distribute Junior Ranger Night Explorer books while watching meteors stream overhead.
 
The night sky events begin at the outdoor amphitheater near the Camp Store with an evening program that discusses the importance of the night sky environment to plants, animals, and humans as well as the dangers of light pollution. As the sun sets and the stars begin to emerge, the group will move to the bus loop of the visitor center where several telescopes will be set up for night sky viewing. Park rangers and volunteers from Western Kentucky University's Hilltopper Astronomy Club will be on hand to answer questions and help identify celestial objects.
 
Event participants may wish to bring blankets or chairs to sit on for a more comfortable viewing experience. Local astronomers are also welcome to bring their own telescopes and set them up in the bus loop. All activities are weather dependent and may be cancelled in the event of hazardous weather.
 
Every August the Perseids Meteor Shower lights up night skies with a dazzling display of “shooting stars.” These shooting stars are actually meteors which consist of chunks of ice or rock in space ranging in size from a grain of sand to a boulder. Past Perseids Meteor displays have seen up to 100 meteors visible per hour in dark locations.
 
Mammoth Cave National Park was recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. This certification showcases the park as, “land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.”
 
Visit our website for more information about Mammoth Cave National Park’s Night Sky or to learn some Stargazing tips. For questions about the Star Party, please contact us at e-mail us or 270-758-2180.