Stargazers are in for a great weekend as it provides one of the best opportunities in years to see an annual meteor shower.
Late Saturday night into early Sunday morning will be the best chance to see the Perseid meteor shower.
The Great Orbax, a science communicator from the U of G’s physics department, said there’s potential to see up to 60 meteors per hour as the annual meteor shower peaks.
“It happens (annually) because the Earth in its rotation tends to go through the debris that’s left by the comet Swift-Tuttle and as that debris enters the atmosphere of the Earth that burns up into meteorites and then we see our shooting stars,” Orbax said.
This year is a bit different, Orbax explained, because we are between full moons.
“The full moon was on the first and the 30th this month, we’ll have a very dark sky,” Orbax said. “You’ll have your best opportunity to see this this year for quite some time.”
Orbax believes this should be bright enough to be seen from most people’s backyards.
He acknowledged light pollution is an enemy for stargazing and if people can get out to a dark park or out into the country, it would help them to see it.
“The one thing you want to ensure is that you have a clear view of the northeast,” Orbax said. “Anywhere in that whole quadrant you should be able to see it. Look north, take about a quarter turn and you should be able to see it.”
While it peaks this weekend, Orbax said there’s still more chances to see the Perseid meteor shower until around Aug. 24.
