How do I organise a school meteor-watching evening?
Pick a major shower and a moonless date, choose a safe dark site, plan supervision and warm clothing, and give pupils a simple counting task.
A meteor watch is one of the most memorable events a school can run.
Choose the date. The Perseids in mid-August fall in the summer holidays in many countries, so the Geminids in mid-December, the Orionids in late October or the Lyrids in April may suit term time better. Check the Moon's phase: a bright Moon reduces the number of meteors visible. Have a back-up date in case of cloud.
Choose the site. Playing fields work well if they are away from floodlights and roads. Visit beforehand at night to check lighting, hazards and access. Ask the school to switch off nearby external lights for the evening if possible.
Plan safety and supervision. Complete your usual off-timetable or after-hours risk assessment. Require parents or carers to attend with younger pupils. Agree meeting points, toilet access, first aid and what to do if someone feels unwell or cold. Ban phones or ask for screens to be dimmed.
Prepare pupils. Explain dark adaptation and why white light should be avoided. Ask everyone to bring warm layers, a blanket or reclining chair and a flask. Provide red torches.
Give a task. Pupils count meteors in 15-minute blocks, noting brightness and whether each came from the shower's radiant. Older pupils can estimate the limiting magnitude by counting stars in a known constellation.
Afterwards, pool counts, plot a graph and compare with published rates. Even if few meteors appear, pupils learn about the sky.