News Summary
Lee Canyon, partnering with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, is organizing a stargazing event titled ‘Stars on the Summit’ to view the Perseid Meteor Shower. The event takes place at a high elevation, offering a prime location for observing meteors away from city lights. Attendees will enjoy telescopes and educational insights from astronomers. Reservations are encouraged for this unique experience, which includes a special VIP dinner package. As the meteor shower peaks, participants can expect a magical night sky filled with vibrant meteors.
Las Vegas – Lee Canyon, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, is set to host a stargazing event titled “Stars on the Summit” on Saturday, August 16, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This special gathering will provide attendees with an opportunity to witness the stunning Perseid Meteor Shower from a breathtaking elevation of 9,370 feet.
Guests will ascend via the Bluebird quad chairlift, which takes them to the optimal stargazing location away from the bright city lights of Las Vegas. This event is uniquely designed to offer better visibility for observing stars and the meteor shower, which is known for its bright, colorful fireballs that light up the night sky.
The Perseid Meteor Shower officially started on July 14 and will continue until September 1, with its peak expected around mid-August. This meteor shower is particularly renowned for its high levels of activity, often producing between 50 to 75 meteors per hour, making it an ideal occasion for stargazers. These meteors are best viewed after midnight, enhancing the anticipation for attendees.
Members of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society will be stationed at the chairlift’s drop-off point to share insights and information about celestial objects and the meteor shower. The event will also feature telescopes, astrophotography equipment, and video displays that will provide real-time information about what guests are observing in the night sky.
Attendees can expect a significant drop in temperature, with nighttime conditions projected to be up to 30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley, emphasizing the need for proper clothing to stay warm during their visit. The dark environment at Lee Canyon creates an ideal setting for stargazing, allowing for clearer views of the meteor display.
Registration for the event is advised, and ticket reservations are expected to be made available shortly. Ticket prices are set at $35 for guests ages 13 and older, $20 for children between the ages of 7 and 12, while kids 6 and under can join for free. A special VIP package priced at $55 includes dinner, offering an elevated experience for guests wishing to enhance their stargazing evening.
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to support the education programs of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, allowing the organization to continue fostering interest in astronomy among local communities.
As for viewing conditions, the upcoming August full moon, referred to as the sturgeon moon, will be visible on August 9. This lunar phase may impact the visibility of the meteors due to increased light levels in the night sky. In addition to the Perseid Meteor Shower, other meteor showers such as the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids were also active during this period, contributing to a rich astronomical experience for enthusiasts.
For those who wish to catch these celestial wonders, Lee Canyon presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy the sights far from light pollution. Recommended viewing areas in Nevada include notable locations such as Great Basin National Park and the Black Rock Desert. Overall, “Stars on the Summit” promises to be a memorable event for both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike.
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Additional Resources
- Reno Gazette Journal: Perseid Meteor Shower in Nevada
- Fox 5 Vegas: Lyrids Meteor Shower Peak
- Space.com: Geminid Meteor Shower Guide
- Travel Nevada: Perseid Meteor Shower Event
- Las Vegas Weekly: A Beginner’s Guide to Stargazing
- Wikipedia: Meteor Shower
- Google Search: Perseid Meteor Shower
- Google Scholar: Meteor Showers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Meteor Shower
- Google News: Perseid Meteor Shower
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
