Get ready for a spectacular show in the night sky! The annual Perseid Meteor Shower is back.
According to The Backyard Astronomer, Gary Boyle, the meteor shower is currently underway.
It is set to peak on August 12 into the morning of August 13.
“The Perseids is the result of earth ploughing through the debris field of Comet Swift-Tuttle when this 26-kilometre wide mountain of rock and ice last rounded the sun in 1992,” explains Boyle.
He says that, at its peak, the shower can produce up to 100 meteors per hour.
“Sand size particle vapourize as they strike the earth's upper atmosphere at 58 kilometres per second,” he says. “The Perseids have been known to produce bright fireballs as largest gravel size pieces end in a blaze of glory.”
This year, however, Boyle says that the meteors may have some competition.
“This is a wonderful summertime shower seen from dark skies such as campsites and cottages,” Boyle explains.
“However, this year’s peak occurs with a 94% lit moon which will be present all night long. The lunar glow in the sky will reduce the numbers of faint meteors but you could still see brighter ones and the occasional fireball.”
He adds that you’ll also be able to see the planet Saturn, which is located to the right of the moon.
Happy sky-gazing! Send your photos and videos to news@kelownanow.com, or tag #kelownanow on Instagram and Twitter.
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