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Who/What: Meteor Shower Viewing, hosted by LCSC and Lewiston Astronomy Society
When: Monday, August 13, 2001; 8:30-11:00 p.m.
Where: Nez Perce National Historic Park, Spaulding, Idaho
Contact: Dr. Victor Kriss, Lewis-Clark State College, Division of Natural Sciences - 208/792-2344

LCSC, Lewiston Astronomists Host
Viewing of Year's Largest Meteor Shower

On Monday, August 13th, Lewis-Clark State College and the Lewiston Astronomy Society will present an informational session and host a viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower. The program will take place at the Nez Perce National Historical Park in Spaulding, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

The Perseid is the largest meteor shower of the year and is considered the best for viewing with the unaided eye, with 60 to 80 meteors-"shooting stars"-visible per hour. The main part of this year's shower takes place on Sunday night; however, Monday's show should be impressive as well, according to Dr. Victor Kriss, Professor of Natural Sciences at LCSC and member of the Lewiston Astronomy Society.

The program will start inside the park's interpretive center, with a brief talk on Native American astronomy, by Mr. Kevin Peters of the National Historical Park. Peters' presentation will be followed by a slide show explaining meteor showers and comets, presented by Dr. Kriss.

Following the talk and slide show, viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower will take place outside the visitors' center. A telescope will be available for viewing the meteor shower and Dr. Kriss expects to view Mars as well. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for their comfort.
The meteor shower is best viewed against a very dark sky. A cloudy evening will preclude viewing activities and the event will be cancelled.

The Lewiston Astronomy Society will be hosting additional activities throughout the year at the LCSC-Moser Observatory, located at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds. For more information on the Perseid viewing, or the Lewiston Astronomy Society, contact Dr. Victor Kriss at 208/792-2344, or vkriss@lcsc.edu.