Learn How to Spot the Upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower!

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that a Backyard Stargazing virtual program will be offered to the public on Thursday, July 29 at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower. 

Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts to learn about the characteristics of meteors, how to spot the Perseid Meteor Shower and more. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-August and is considered to be the best meteor shower of the year, frequently leaving long "wakes'' of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower will peak Sunday, August 11, but will be visible for a few days before and after.

“We’re thrilled to continue offering virtual programming as an extension of the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium experience,'' said Jack Daleske, GRPM’s Planetarium Manager. “Our team strives to create engaging science programming for all ages to enjoy, that prompts them to continue their quest for knowledge about science and space exploration.”

Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar. 

Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation. 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Amazing Pollinators, a unique, bilingual exhibit that allows learners to role play as different pollinators while navigating through a maze to complete missions. Visitors can add on tickets to experience POPnology - an immersive exhibit that celebrates the connection between pop culture and technology throughout history. See the DeLorean, come face-to-face with popular icons from sci-fi movies, experience virtual reality games and more. POPnology tickets must be added to general admission at checkout; discounts are available for GRPM members. The GRPM is now operating at full capacity. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended for contactless and ease of entry into the Museum, and can be purchased at grpm.org. In alignment with state guidelines, masking is optional for fully vaccinated guests; guests who are not vaccinated are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines.