CASCO — The Loon Echo Land Trust will lead a late night meteor shower viewing atop Hacker’s Hill from 9:30 p.m. through midnight Sunday, Aug. 12.
Loon Echo will host a Perseids viewing party, and donations will be accepted to benefit the ongoing fundraising for the protection of the scenic hilltop. The gate will be open for parking at the top of the hill.
The Perseids meteor shower will offer viewers approximately 60 meteors an hour – this year conditions are almost optimal as there will only be a slight waning crescent moon, keeping the night sky dark.
Peak viewing times are between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight beginning Aug. 12. There will be a stationary telescope on site for constellation viewing, care of Raymond Public Library, and light refreshments will be offered to keep viewers alert.
Hacker’s Hill is Loon Echo’s newest conservation preserve, with 27 acres of open space since the official closing and transfer of the property took place on July 26. With $650,000 raised, toward the $800,000 total, Loon Echo secured a bridge loan allowing for the closing to move forward. The trust has a year to raise the remaining $150,000 to pay off the mortgage.
To learn more about the Hacker’s Hill project and other Loon Echo land protection projects, programs or events, visit www.loonecholandtrust.org.
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