Nanaimo skies clear for annual Perseids peak

Boosting the chance of a dazzling show this year is the moon being in its new phase, reflecting minimal light towards our region.

Arkos said those keen to see the shower should venture out to an area without any overhead streetlights or other substantial light pollution.

“You don’t need a telescope, you don’t need binoculars. Go out an hour or two after the sun has set, and the sky has darkened, find yourself a spot where you’re not right under a streetlight or something bright so your eyes can dark adapt. You want to give your eyes 15 minutes to fully open up.”

Streaks will likely span the night sky, but a majority will come from the northeast, around the Perseids constellation.

A mixture of brighter and fainter streaks is expected, with one to two per minute on average.

“Some of them can be very bright fireballs, and a lot of them will be kind of the fainter ones, but you should be able to see them because you’re not competing with the moon or other artificial lighting around you.”

The Perseids aren’t the only celestial event on the calendar for Wednesday.

A solar eclipse will also occur, however the central Island won’t be able to observe it.

Arkos said Campbell River and parts of the north Island may see about one per cent coverage of the sun beginning around 8:40 a.m.

Prince George will see roughly six per cent, with the main show spanning northern Canada, Greenland, and into Europe.

A partial lunar eclipse is due Aug 27, which will be visible on the mid-Island if the weather cooperates.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Nanaimo skies clear for annual Perseids peak

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