Meteor Shower Expected over Central Illinois
Astronomy Enthusiasts fly over central Illinois to Study Meteor Shower Peoria, Illinois - Astronomy enthusiasts will take to the skies in the afternoon of May 31 to observe nature's celebration: the Lakeview Museum Meteor Shower.
It is widely believed that this could be the most brilliant Meteor Shower in 2008 with over 2,000 visible meteors at its peak. Best viewing times with the highest meteor rates are expected to be in the afternoon around 1 p.m. on May 31 over Lakeview Museum.
"We will fly over Peoria to keep the stream in view throughout the flight," said Jim Richerson, President & CEO of Lakeview Museum and fellow sky watcher.
A helicopter will fly astronomers and their instruments for 20 continuous minutes over the Museum. The primary goal of the airborne mission is to observe the Meteor Shower in ideal and virtually unchanging conditions above the park grounds to determine when it peaks and how the stream is dispersed.
Participants on the ground will use their observations to better understand how and when the Meteor Shower originated and what influences it's descent. They hope to use the information they gather to make more precise predictions of who will win the Meteor Shower Giveaway.
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