Meteors will appear to originate from the constellation Perseus.
Grand Rapids, MI (WZZM) - This weekend marks a normal occurrence that provides a very spectacular show.
The annual Perseid Meteor Shower will be hitting it's peak this weekend.
Look to the northeast toward the constellation Perseus and you will see a meteoroid approximately every minute.
Have you ever wondered why or how this happens?
Rickey Ainsworth, Planetarium Manager at the Grand Rapids Public Museum took a moment to explain. "Comets are sort of these big pieces of space junk; just ice and rock and dust, and they leave a trail behind them. You've probably seen a picture of a comet before sortof with it's long tail. And when they go in just the right path, when they travel kind of close to the Earth, or cut through the Earth's orbit, they leave some of that junk behind. So, when the Earth swings around on it's orbit, it sometimes flies through these paths of dust and debris."
The Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association will be hosting a few events in conjunction with the meteor shower.
First, it's public night at the Veen Observatory in Lowell from 9 pm to 11:30 pm.
Admission is three dollars for adults, two dollars for kids 6-17 and kids five and under are free.
Later, they'll be holding a Perseid Pajama Party at Cascade Township Park from 11:30 pm to 5 am.
Anyone is welcome and the event is free so bring your blankets and your lawn chairs and enjoy the company of other star gazers.
Of course, both events are weather dependent so double check conditions before you head out. And, it will be chilly so bring a jacket!