Short story

Plenty of shooting stars between August 9th and 12th, Lebanon's most breathtaking night sites, a journey of a week of amateur astronomy / astrophotography across the country, the pinnacle of your summer this year, in serene, calm groups, respecting and appreciating the night skies.

Long story

This year's Perseid meteor shower is in conditions that are more favourable than usual, with the moon setting around midnight in our mid-northern skies. The Perseid meteor shower will amaze you on Earth as Juno, explores Jupiter. What does Jupiter have to do with the Perseids you say?

Jupiter, is Earth's big brother. As this gas giant wobbles and turns around our star, the Sun, it shields us plenty, attracting celestial bodies into its orbit, protecting the Earth. Jupiter also acts on streams of dust left by passing comets, shifting them ever so slightly every year. This year, Earth's orbit will pass through a dense stream of the Perseid meteor shower shifted closer to it by Jupiter, and as a result, this year's Perseid is predicted to be above average to say the least.

Peaks rates may reach more than a hundred per hour, you will see plenty. xD

Technicalities

We will be departing, every night at 8PM from the Jdeideh main square. Each of the locations is relatively easy to access, we will car pool to each of the sites, arriving around 10PM. A tour of the summer night sky, chats of astronomy / astrophotography, and setting up camp till early sunrise. Those who wish to depart to Beirut before sunrise, can do so easily, those who would like to stay with us till pre-dawn, when meteor activity becomes more pronounced, are also welcome.

Transportation can be provided if specified 5 days before the event, if willing to stay till the morning.

We stress on respect of the beauty that surrounds us, no loud music will be allowed, any activity that disrupts the group serenity will not be tolerated.

Meeting us on site is not possible but joining us along the way can be arranged.

Warm clothes are essential, snacks preferable. Camera gear helpful, tents advised.

• Ticket prices are 30 dollars per person per night on regular nights, small groups, including guiding throughout the night and transportation if requested 5 days prior to the event. A pass for the whole 4 nights is for a 100 dollars instead of 120. These tickets are limited, the experience is unique, the group size small enough to ensure everyone leaves with a much better understanding of the night skies, to ensure that we love the event as much as you do. xD
• Ticket prices are 15 dollars per person for the unlimited-group-size public event in Falougha on Friday August the 12th. Transportation provided from Beirut by bus. This night is more of an outreach night, with less guiding, more relaxed atmosphere in a popular location.

Locations / Dates

• Tuesday August 9, 2016: Laqlouq (30$, limited attendees)
• Wednesday August 10, 2016: Falougha (30$, limited attendees)
• Thursday August 11, 2016: Chouf Cedar Reserve (30$, limited attendees)
• Friday August 12, 2016: Qaa el Rim (30$, limited attendees)
• Friday August 12, 2016: Falougha (PUBLIC, unlimited attendees 15$)

The event photo was taken last year, from the dark skies of Lebanon by Khalil Azar / BeirutVersus.

More info can be found on BeirutVersus and inquiries accepted at +9613042069.