Celebrations of northern Minnesota’s dark skies feature meteor shower shows

The flashiest meteor shower to happen each year is coming next week, and parks in the Quetico-Superior region which have been designated as Dark Sky areas are planning celebrations to mark the occasion.

The events are scheduled during the Perseids Meteor Shower and will hopefully provide good viewing of that celestial spectacle. The meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12. A crescent moon will set early that night, providing a potentially excellent show. The meteor shower is considered the best of the year, and will feature about 40 visible meteors per hour at peak.

The region-wide celebration is supported by the Heart of the Continent Partnership. It includes Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and Quetico Provincial Park.

The Boundary Waters was named the world’s 13th and largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary in September 2020; Voyageurs National Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park last winter; and Quetico Provincial Park received the same designation in February.

The celebration begins at Voyageurs National Park, with support from Voyageurs Conservancy. Dates for future events at the Superior National Forest and Quetico will be announced later.

Meanwhile, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s planetarium will also offer star parties around northern Minnesota next week. It will include virtual events before three nights at three locations where telescopes will be available to use.

All events are free and open to the public.

Voyageurs National Park

The National Park Service will host events around the large park, including at Ash River, Kabetogama Lake, and Rainy River Visitors Center.

Dark Sky Caravan

The University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium will host events online, on the North Shore, and on the Gunflint Trail during the annual Dark Sky Caravan. The planetarium is working with Visit Cook County, Gunflint Trail Historical Society, and Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center on the programs.

Virtual events will kick off the caravan, with online presentations about efforts underway to preserve the region’s dark skies, and how to enjoy them.

More information:

• Voyageurs Star Party 2021 – National Park Service
• Dark Sky Caravan 2021 – Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium
• The Perseids are on the Rise! – NASA

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