Meteor shower peaks Saturday

Due to the BC wildfires adding smoke to local skies recently, sunsets have been almost other-worldly with a glowing red ball often seen on the horizon.

If sky watching has become a new pastime for residents, the Perseids meteor shower peaks Saturday night.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Prince George Centre, best known as the Prince George Astronomical Society, will be hosting an open house on Saturday beginning at 9 p.m., said society president Blair Stunder. Earth passes through the Comet Swift-Tuttle's path between July 17 and Aug. 24 and our planet passes through the dustiest, most dense area on Saturday, which allows viewers to see the most meteors in the shortest time, Stunder explained. The meteors appear to come from the constellation Perseus, hence the name.

"There will be good viewing at about 9:30 to about 11 p.m.," Stunder said. "And that happens every middle of August as Earth passes through the debris tale from the Comet Swift-Tuttle. Think of it as you're going into a snowstorm with your highbeams on and you're looking through your car's windshield."

Most of the meteors are specs of dust and sand particles as they come off the comet and heat up in the Earth's atmosphere as they turn from frozen materials to gaseous, he added.

"We hit that meteor debris trail every year about the same time," Stunder said. "And what makes Perseids nice is that it's 24 to 25 degrees out and so it makes it worthwhile to be sitting out on a reclining lawnchair gazing up at the sky rather than doing it in October, November or December. A little warmer, a little nicer and a little more enjoyable."

Last year's Preseids meteor shower event brought 250 spectators out to the observatory and the society expects the same number in attendance this year.

There is a presentation about the meteor shower for about 20 minutes starting at 9 p.m. highlighting what causes the event.

"Then after that if it's clear enough we'll have the big scope open so people can take a look," Stunder said.

"At 9:30 to 10 o'clock at night if you look straight south the brightest thing you'll see in the sky will be Saturn and with a good set of binoculars you will be able to tell it's not just a round blob - there's actually going to be a round blob with ears sticking out of it as the rings can be seen on both sides. Then bring your reclining chair and kick back and find a spot in the parking lot deck area and watch the summer's meteor shower."