Summer is great for a lot of reasons - including being able to see some spectacular events up in the sky. Upstate New York is going to be treated to some amazing meteor showers, so why not take advantage of this and embrace your inner astronomer? Who didn't think about becoming an astronaut at least once or twice?

July is a historic month for space exploration history after all - it's been 47 years since that historic flight on July 16, 1969. It's a great chance to brush up on some history and dust off those constellation charts in time for the Perseid meteor shower.

You should be able to see them from July 17 to August 24, with the best days being estimated for around August 11, 12 and 13. It'll be a great way to relax on a hazy summer night, enjoying the view with family and friends. 

Here's a few suggestions on how to become a professional in no time! 

The Museum of Innovation and Science has some great opportunities for the stargazer in all of us. Take some time to enjoy playing in their exhibits, participating in their special tours and...planetarium shows! Check out their planetarium schedule online for times and summaries of all their cool events.

They also have an ongoing exhibit for astronauts-in-trainings: The Challenger Adventure
Every Saturday until August 27th, from 2-3pm and from 3:30-4:30pm, the museum invites visitors to come and experience what it's like to do experiments in space. You can even take home a souvenir from your experience!

Space - no pun intended - is limited for these events so while you can purchase a ticket when you get there, it wouldn't hurt to call in advance to guarantee a spot: 518-382-7890 x 237

Admission - including a planetarium show - for children (3-12) is $12.50, for Seniors (65+) is $14 and for Adults (13+) is $15.50

The Henry Hudson Planetarium, located at the Visitors Center in Quakenbush Square, hosts a variety of programs. It's also an official NASA Space Place! There are a bunch of upcoming shows to enjoy, although these are geared toward younger children.  

One such show that's going on now is the Children's Star Sighting Show. It will be recurring on the third Saturday of every month until December 17, 2016. It's an interactive program that encourages children to actively take part in exploring stars, planets, comets, and constellations. Shows start at 11 and tickets are $3.00 for a seat. 

On another note, the planetarium is also attached to a Pokemon Go gym for those of you looking to catch an extra one for your collection - and yes, we're talking to the parents out there playing the game just as much (or more) than the children. Too bad there isn't a ‘space' type yet, or is there? 

Another great stop for some quality stargazing, children and adults will definitely enjoy the Dudley Observatory Star Party, located at the Octagon Barn in Delanson.

These events will be August 12, September 9, October 7, and November 4. They start at 7pm with a local astronomer giving a talk for about an hour, which is then followed by outdoor observation party if the weather is agreeable. Participants are invited to bring binoculars and telescopes. Admission is free, but $5 donations are graciously accepted.  

Senior Science Days are also a thing there, with different programs scheduled for each. They take place on the first Monday of the month and are open to all visitors, not just seniors - although, the times for these events are from 3pm to 4pm. Seniors (65+) are $9.00, regular adult admission is $10.50, and it's free for members to miSci to attend. These events are located at the Museum of Innovation and Technology.

Their Night Sky Adventure programs on every third Tuesday of the month are also worth a look, as they also schedule different topics for each. Next up in August is about the Juno spacecraft launched in 2011 and expected to reach Jupiter this year. They're at the miSci and go from 8pm-9:30pm. Participants are againencouraged to bring their own binoculars or telescopes, but there will be a few provided for the public too. Admission is $10.50 adults, $7.50 children (age 3-12), and $9 seniors (65+). 

 "I wondered how I was ever going to get my work done because I just wanted to stay glued to the window."

- Richard Searfoss, astronaut interview in The Guardian newspaper, July 30, 2013

Yeah, we've all been there....might as well enjoy the view. Don't forget to plan for the meteor shower!