How to watch the Perseids meteor shower around Ottawa this week

Look up to the sky, Ottawa, and you could possibly catch a glimpse of the Perseids meteor shower — a meteor shower that will look as if it is raining hail across the stars. 

The shower will happen Wednesday and Thursday night, however, with Environment Canada calling for a 40 per cent chance of showers on Wednesday, backyard astronomer Gary Boyle — who has had an interest in astronomy for the last 56 years — said Thursday night might be our better bet to see the phenomenon.

And it'll be one of the best displays of the year Boyle told The Sam Laprade Show Wednesday.

The shower started on July 23 and will last until August 22, although the event will be at its peak this Wednesday and Thursday.

On those peak nights, Boyle explained, we are expected to see the highest number of meteors — about 50 to 60 per hour.

“Tonight we’ll see a few showers of the H2O variety, but tomorrow is looking a little better,” Boyle said. “The best time is after sunset when it gets dark enough.”

The meteors are coming from Perseus, just below the W of Cassiopeia (constellation) — that will be in the north-eastern sky if you’re viewing around Ottawa.

But if you can make it out to the countryside, that is where you’ll get the best show — especially this year when the moon will be absent and moon glow won’t be a problem, Boyle added.

“The moon will be at bay, pretty well, as opposed to next year where we’ll have full moon conditions,” Boyle said. “And if the skies do cooperate, look up at the stars and you’ll have the beautiful Milky Way and the planets in the southern sky — Jupiter and Saturn, which are separated by eight inches in arms-length on the left-hand side.”

And you really don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in equipment to take an interest in astronomy and partake in star gazing, Boyle said — often you can get by with just one of the many apps that are offered on smartphones.

But you won't need a telescope for this summer's event.

Either way, it’s a hobby that's been picking up speed, Boyle pointed out, so now’s a great time to get in on the fun and brush up on your astronomy.

“Nature has a beautiful way of relieving stress and anxiety levels,” he said. “Just sit back, listen to the crickets and enjoy.”

So make a wish, Ottawa, because we won't have another chance to do so until October 8 when, according to NASA, the Draconid meteor shower occurs.