I sit in a tent in our backyard watching my children silouhetted against the Milky Way. They’re watching the northeastern sky intently, waiting for a streak of light. It’s only 11, long before the Perseids are projected to peak, but we’re hoping to see a few anyway.

“Look at all the stars, mom!” Bear says with wonder in his voice.

“This is my favorite day ever,” says Bug as she rolls backwards, kicking her feet in the air.

“I saw one! I saw one!” shouts Mouse as a meteorite streaks across the sky.

“Where?” demands Bug, righting herself again.

We try to explain that it is over, but that if she watches, she may see another one. Encouraged by her sister’s success, she leaves the tent to see the whole sky.

And as I watch her stand there looking to the heavens with awe as her siblings tug at her nightgown, chiding her to get out of the way, I think,

“This is how I want my children to remember summer.”

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If you missed the Perseids peak show yesterday, it isn’t too late. We saw a lot of meteorites Monday and Wednesday, though the skies were too cloudy to watch on Thursday. This is one of the best meteorite showers of the year, and well worth a late bedtime with the children as you share the beauty of the night sky.

If you would like a more formal way to enjoy astronomy together as a family, check out IFAS’ Novice Observing Challenge, a free 66 page e-book full of information and hands-on projects for anyone interested in space to learn a little more. On page 47, you’ll even find a meteorite observing log to begin recording the meteorites you see.