Best meteor shower of the year reaching peak in Okanagan, Kamloops

One of the biggest, brightest and most spectacular celestial events of the year is quickly approaching as the Perseid meteor shower is building to peak activity.

Known for its fireballs and long-lasting bright trails, the Perseids started in mid-July and will reach peak activity on Aug. 12 to 13, when on a moonless night up to 100 Perseid meteors can be seen streaking across the sky.

This year, a bright moon could dim out some of the meteors, however, bright fireballs should still be visible, according to NASA.

With moonlight drowning out fainter meteors, the optimal viewing time is in the pre-dawn hours and the best place is from dark, rural areas with the moon behind natural blockers like mountains or trees.

Perseids are seen when Earth moves through debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle that travels on a 133-year orbit. Debris particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere and vapourize, creating shooting stars and fireballs. They are named after Perseus, the constellation they appear to radiate from. 

The overnight forecast for Kamloops and the Okanagan for Tuesday, Aug. 12 is calling for periods of cloud.