Attention all stargazers! The celestial event you've been eagerly waiting for is almost here - the Perseid meteor shower, also known as the Perseids, is currently active and it's an experience you won't want to miss.
Mark your calendars for the peak of this stunning display, which is set to occur this weekend according to sky watching site In The Sky. This year promises to be an exceptional opportunity for viewing the Perseids, with the moon being only 10% illuminated, ensuring clearer and more awe-inspiring views.
What causes this dazzling spectacle, you may wonder? The Perseids result from Earth passing through the remnants of Comet Swift-Tuttle - bits of ice and rock left behind during its last close encounter with our planet in 1992. The peak of the Perseids coincides with Earth's passage through the densest and dustiest region, typically occurring on August 11-12.
Considered the best meteor shower of the year, Perseids frequently leave long "wakes" of light and colour behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere, according to NASA. Even better, the Perseids are one of the most abundant meteor showers, treating sky watchers to an impressive display of 50 to 100 meteors per hour. With warm summer nights prevailing, this celestial show can be comfortably observed by stargazers.
Keep an eye out for the captivating fireballs that are a hallmark of the Perseids. These are larger explosions of light and colour, persisting longer than the average meteor streak. The reason behind their brilliance lies in the fact that fireballs originate from more substantial particles of cometary material, boasting apparent magnitudes greater than -3.
The Royal Museums Greenwich said the Perseid meteor shower will be active between July 17 and August 24, 2023, but it's expected to peak between August 12 and 13.
Viewing Tips
For optimal viewing, the Perseids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during the pre-dawn hours, although you may catch glimpses of meteors as early as 10 pm.
If you're seeking an unparalleled experience, consider visiting one of Canada's dark sky preserves - protected areas dedicated to minimizing light pollution, providing an enchanting backdrop for stargazing.
Ontario, in particular, boasts some fantastic dark sky preserves, including Bruce Peninsula National Park, Fathom Five National Marine Park, Point Pelee National Park, and Algonquin Provincial Park, where a special event at Four Corners Algonquin offers an exceptional "dark sky friendly stargazing spot."
The August Perseid meteor shower is rich and steady, from early August through the peak. Plus, the Perseid meteors are colourful. And they frequently leave persistent trains. All of these factors make the Perseid shower perhaps the most beloved meteor shower for the Northern Hemisphere.
Don't miss this captivating celestial extravaganza - gather your loved ones, find a cozy spot under the stars, and prepare to be amazed by the awe-inspiring Perseid meteor shower of 2023!
