BY KAREN BOSSICK

Join in the third annual Perseid-Palooza Wednesday at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

The Idaho Dark Sky Alliance will host an opportunity beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, to look up and discover the wonders of the night sky as small particles from the tail of the Comet Swift-Tuttle leave characteristic trails in the sky as they penetrate Earth’s atmosphere.

“We’re so lucky to live where our night sky offers stunning views of the stars that inspire wonder,” said Carol Cole, president of the nonprofit Central Idaho Dark Sky Alliance.

Local astronomers and astronomy students from Boise State University’s AstroTAC program will lead viewers on a cosmic tour, including the Perseid meteor shower, deep sky objects, summer constellations and the waning gibbous moon.

The event will offer meteor watching and telescope observing, plus kid’s astro-activities. IDSA will also provide information about their efforts to reduce light pollution to preserve Central Idaho’s breathtaking views of the night sky.

The Perseid meteor shower, when Italians gaze skywards and make a wish on martyr St Lawrence's tears, peaks this year on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12-13. Meteors will be visible as the sky darkens, but they will intensify during the second half of the night with the best viewing between midnight and dawn.

Viewing times will be tricker this year due to the bright full moon that rose on Aug. 9, said Cole.

The Italians say that the shooting stars are the tears of the martyr Saint Lawrence, who died in Rome in 258 AD. They believe that wishes made on shooting stars on this night will come true.

Telescopes will be available at the event, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. Also bring a comfy chair or blanket and a coat to stay warm.