**METEOR SHOWER TONIGHT** The clouds are supposed to clear, so we are going to give it another try. Peak was yesterday, but according to the experts, we should still see some more tonight, August 12th! Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for the meteor shower for Wednesday evening. Stay tuned as we will try again Thursday night nd give an update just after 6PM Pray for clear skies! Thank you and God Bless! The shower will still be happening on Thursday evening the 12th into Friday morning, but just not as many. Therefore, we are changing the event to the night of the peak (Wednesday), but if the weather doesn’t cooperate, then we will switch it back to Thursday evening. Please feel free to call Greg if you don’t see and update by 5pm on Wednesday on the website or Facebook Group. 770-316-9200. Thank you and be praying for clear weather!!! **THIS IS AN OPEN EVENT: So bring your kids, neighbors or married friends** Come join us for what could be 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 possibly 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. PEAK RATES: The Perseid meteors will streak across the short summer nights on August 11,12 and 13 – from late night until dawn, with little to no interference from the moon. The shower will actually reach it's peak on Thursday night into Friday morning. Meteor rates always get better after midnight and into the wee hours of the morning. WHAT YOU MAY SEE: Forecasters predict meteor rates of up to 50-150 per hour as it reaches it's peak pre-dawn Thursday morning. 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 be very bright and colorful and are some of the most beautiful. DATE: August 12 2021 TIME: 9:00pm - 2:00am. Feel free to get there earlier to watch the sunset over the mountains. I realize peak is on a work night, (God's decision not mine) so plan ahead if you'd like to take Friday off. DEVOTIONAL: We will have a short 10 minute devotional around 9:30pm! RETURN TIME: Leaving Brasstown Bald at 2am’ish: 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. 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: If you are willing to bring passengers, please comment what part of town you’re driving from, what time you’re leaving and the number of passengers you can take. HOW TO FIND US: We will be in the far end of the parking lot. Look for ECHO signs! 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 (including coronavirus), 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