Dazzling Perseid meteor shower to peak over Vancouver Island tonight

A dazzling celestial event will light up the night sky over Vancouver Island tonight.

The annual Perseid meteor shower will peak tonight, from Wednesday, August 12th through to the morning of Thursday, August 13th, allowing stargazers to witness hundreds of meteors streak across the sky.

The meteors can be seen throughout most of July and August, but the height of the shower will come tonight.

The best time to view these meteors will be after dusk and before dawn.

Viewers under dark sky areas can see up to 50 meteors an hour, while those closer to the city centre and in areas more polluted by light will see fewer.

This year, the shower will combine with a partial solar eclipse, which will partly cover the sun and slightly change the lighting across the globe.

The forecast on south Vancouver Island does call for some clouds and a potential for rain, which unfortunately may make viewing the event a bit more difficult.

In and around Victoria, there are several places that offer the best viewing of the event.

Cattle Point, Saxe Point, PKOLS, Mount Tolmie, Island View Beach, Jordan River or any area that is either high up or away from the lights of the city will give those who wish to witness the meteors the best opportunity to do so.

• Related:
  • Here’s what you need to know to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Victoria

For night sky enthusiasts, this time of year is a special one, offering some of the most exciting stargazing all summer.

With the added bonus of a partial solar eclipse, this is going to be an event you won’t want to miss.

Find a spot, bring the friends and family out and get a glimpse of the awe-inspiring show put on by mother nature tonight—as long as the weather cooperates.