OPEN EVENT: So bring your kids, neighbors or married friends. Come join us for an incredible night under the stars observing the Lord’s dazzling display of fireworks on Georgia's Highest Mountain. You may ask, why drive all the way to Brasstown Bald to watch a meteor shower? Well, it’s quite possible the best place in Georgia and here’s why: • It's beautiful up there at night with almost no bugs. • We are above the thickest atmosphere obstructing our view. • It’s very dark and far away from any city light pollution. • Parking lot near the summit offers unobstructed views from horizon to horizon. • If you’re adventurous, you can hike up to the observation tower in the dark for a 360 degree view looking down on the lights of distant towns. • Amazingly, it's dark enough to see our Milky Way Galaxy. WEATHER PERMITTING...cloudy it’s off. Please call to find out if were still on. 770-316-9200. Once up there, cell service is sketchy. OPEN EVENT: So bring your kids, neighbors or married friends. METEOR INFO LINK: https://in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20180813_10_100 PEAK RATES: The Perseid meteors will streak across the short summer nights on August 11,12 and 13 The shower will actually reach it's peak on Sunday night the 12th and into Monday morning the 13th. We will be there the night before the peak, but it should still be good, especially with no moon! Meteor rates always get better after midnight and into the wee hours of the morning, so the later you stay, the better! WHAT YOU MAY SEE: Forecasters predict meteor rates of up to 100 per hour as it reaches it's peak. We will be there the night before the peak so it will be less, but with no moon, so it should still be awesome! WHAT CAUSES THE PERSEIDS? The shower is caused as the Earth crosses through a filament of cloud debris left behind from Comet Swift-Tuttle. The Perseid meteors get their name because they mostly initiate out of the Constellation Perseus. Many times they can can be very bright and colorful and are some of the most beautiful. WHAT TO BRING: PREPARE!!! Or you will be cold! You will be at 4784 ft. Temps at that elevation are sometimes 10-20 degrees less than Atlanta (Meaning 50s and 60s during summer nights). Bring a Sleeping bag or 2-3 blankets per person, Pad for comfort, pillow, jacket, flashlight (Red lights best). No tent camping allowed, but we are allowed to lie on the ground in our sleeping bags. CHAIRS: Bring only the ones that recline because you are looking straight up. best to lay on the ground so bring pads or extra blankets. Don't forget snacks and soft drinks. CARPOOLING: Encouraged but not required.These are set up as a convenience, so we do not know who will be at each location. (This is a great way to meet folks). Please arrive ready to go with stomachs filled, cars gassed, and bladders empty. ALPHARETTA: Meet at Best Buy on Haines Bridge and Northpoint Cir. Park in outer lot away from building. Meet at 6:45pm. DAWSONVILLE: Meet at Publix just SOUTH of the Outlet Malls in the outerparking lot near Chili's. Meet at 7:15pm. BUFORD: Meet 6:45pm in the outer parking lot of Wal-Mart - 3795 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30519 (Off Hwy 20) ARRIVE Anytime: 8:00pm to watch the sunset over the mountains, OR just come when you wish and leave when you wish. RETURN TIME: Leaving Brasstown Bald at 1am ish: Return Dawsonville at 2:15ish. Or you may stay the night. DIRECTIONS: You can Mapquest Brasstown Bald (NOT Brasstown Valley Resort or Brasstown NC) Going Hwy 19 north of Dahlonega then over Neel’s gap is OK, but (fastest way) is through Helen. Go 400 north to end at Hwy 60. Go straight on 2-lane(115E) approx 5 mi. Turn right toward Cleveland (115 east)for approx 13 miles. In Cleveland, mi before square turn left(sign to Helen) Go 1/2 mile to light and go straight on 75 north toward Helen. (Ingles on left)Stay straight (approx 8 miles) and go through Downtown Helen. Keep going straight out of Helen on 75 North(toward Hiawassee) Go up and over Unicoi Gap and down to 180 on left(approx 11 miles total from Helen). Take 180 approx 5 miles to entrance on right for Brasstown Bald. 3 miles up to summit, look for silver Chevy Avalanche with yellow roof light. Cell service is sketchy up there. KEEP IN MIND: that there are always dangerous and unforeseen elements when out in nature: Cliffs, water hazards, weather, animals, insects, reptiles, falling limbs or rocks, Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, etc. Trails may be un-maintained, slippery, icy, rocky and have steep embankments. Shoes and clothing may get muddy or wet. WAIVER: By attending, each person assumes all responsibility and liability for themselves and their actions and hereby releases Echo Ministries, its employees, directors, officers, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability resulting from any loss, injury, illness, damages, or death, while attending, participating or volunteering in this event. Make sure that anyone you invite receives this information and understands and agrees to all aspects of it, otherwise you’re responsible for them. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 770-316-9200 or gregford@echoministries.com FOR INFO ABOUT THE MINISTRY go to: www.echoministries.com