Best place to watch August meteor shower in the South Okanagan

PENTICTON – Having an astrophysical observatory right on your doorstep can come in handy during cosmic events.

Wednesday, Aug. 12, is the date of this year’s annual Perseid meteor shower event at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory.

Astronomers from the observatory will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the meteor showers. Talks get underway at 8:15 p.m., sky viewing will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., weather permitting.

This year’s Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak around Aug. 11. Traditionally one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, the Perseids occur every year between July 17 and Aug. 24.

Grounds open at 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and warm clothing, as well as friends and family.

The observatory is located at 717 White Lake Rd. near Okanagan Falls.

The observatory is open to the public for self guided tours year round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, except statutory holidays. From Easter to Thanksgiving the institute is open on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with staff on duty in the visitor’s centre. One hour, guided tours are offered on Sundays through July and August, from 2  to 5 p.m.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

— This story was updated at 11:38 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015 to correct the day of the event.