It may not come with the rousing soundtrack of a typical fireworks display, but a shower of shooting stars on a summer night is an exciting way to see what nature is capable of.
And the Schaumburg Park District plans to make it all a bit easier and more convenient.
The district is inviting the public to a free Perseid Meteor Party from 9 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
Experts recommend all who try to view the meteor shower to get as far from unnatural lighting as possible. The shooting stars will be in the direction of the constellation Perseus. If you can see all the stars of the Little Dipper, it's probably dark enough to see the meteor shower.
The Schaumburg Park District will set up telescopes just south of the nature center. Interpreters will be on hand to identify the various falling stars, planets, constellations and satellites that can be seen in the August night sky.
Star-related activities and crafts will take place in and around the nature center throughout the evening.
Families are encouraged to bring their own blanket and folding chairs.
For more information about the party, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.
