Get Ready! Canada’s Best Meteor Shower Arrives Next Month!
Canada consistently offers some truly breathtaking celestial events. Over the years, we’ve witnessed countless dazzling comets and mesmerizing aurora borealis displays. However, a spectacular meteor shower always provides an unforgettable experience. Now, prepare yourselves, because the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has reportedly crowned the upcoming display as “the best meteor shower of the year”! You absolutely won’t want to miss this incredible cosmic light show. We’ll break down the where, what, and when of this meteor shower, and, crucially, how you can snag the optimal view of it.
When and What to Expect from the Perseids
Mark your calendars! The magnificent Perseids Meteor Shower will grace our skies between July 17 and August 23. What makes the Perseids so special? According to NASA, these meteors “frequently leave long ‘wakes’ of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere.” Imagine vibrant trails painting the night!
Moreover, the Perseids are incredibly generous, considered “one of the most plentiful showers.” You can expect to see an impressive 50 to 100 meteors per hour during its peak. Furthermore, since this celestial event unfolds during the warm summer nights, it creates the perfect opportunity to simply lie back, relax, and watch these cosmic fireworks light up the sky. NASA also notes that you’ll get the very best view in the Northern Hemisphere during the “pre-dawn hours.” Therefore, set your alarms for an early start!
Finding Your Perfect Stargazing Spot: Beating Light Pollution
This year’s Perseids Meteor Shower is set to peak on August 12. However, anyone who has ever tried to spot constellations or other celestial wonders knows that they can be quite elusive, especially if you live in a bustling urban area. You can primarily blame light pollution for this challenge. The bright glow from city lights effectively decreases the contrast between the night sky and distant stars, which consequently makes it incredibly difficult to spot any cool celestial happenings.
So, where should you go if you want to experience the Perseids Meteor Shower at its absolute best? Your best bet is to venture outside of the city and choose a late time for viewing. You truly need to be far enough from any major light pollution to get the clearest, most spectacular view of the meteors. Fortunately, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) has some fantastic recommendations. Their Vancouver Centre members frequently head to these spots when they want to gaze at the sky:
- Aldergrove Regional Park
- Boundary Bay
- Campbell Valley Regional Park
- Cypress Mountain
- David Lam Park
- Hope Slide
- Spanish Banks
- Trottier Observatory at SFU
Therefore, gather your blankets, find a dark spot, and prepare to be amazed. The Perseids Meteor Shower promises a truly unforgettable show right above Canada’s skies!
