Saskatchewan's vast, open skies provide an incredible opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year: the Perseid meteor shower. Watching meteors streak across the sky is a magical experience that you won't forget.

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Perseid Meteor Shower from Whitkow, SK - Courtesy of @gilbertkaterynych

What is the Perseid Meteor Shower and When Can I See It?

The Perseid meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet. As these particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright streaks of light in the night sky. This annual event is one of the most popular meteor showers due to its high rate of visible meteors and its occurrence during the warm summer months.

When to See Them:

This year the Perseids is predicted to peak at 14:00 UTC on August 12, so the best time to see it in Saskatchewan is early morning (before dawn) on August 12 and 13. During this peak, you can expect to see up to 60-100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, the shower is active from mid-July to late August, so you might see some meteors outside of the peak dates as well! Times of Day: The best time to view the Perseids is from midnight to dawn, when the sky is darkest, and the meteors are most frequent. However, you can start seeing meteors as early as 10 p.m., especially closer to the peak dates.

Where to See the Perseids in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's wide-open spaces and low light pollution make it an excellent place for stargazing and meteor watching. Here are some tips for finding the perfect spot:

• Avoid Light Pollution: Drive at least 20 minutes outside of larger cities like Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert (5-10 minutes from smaller communities) to escape light pollution. Head to areas with minimal artificial light for the best viewing experience.
• Dark Sky Preserves: Saskatchewan has several dark sky preserves, including Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, which offer excellent stargazing conditions.
• Look to the North/East: Try to choose a viewing location that provides an unobstructed view to the north. Given Saskatchewan’s position on the globe, you’ll have the best luck looking in this direction.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Area: Visit your chosen location in advance to check for hazards, safe parking, and road conditions.
• Check the Dark Sky Map: This free online tool includes a light pollution map to help you find the best spot to watch the Perseid shower. It also tracks predicted lunar visibility and cloud coverage, and is available as a free mobile app.
• Safety and Respect: Stay away from major roads and highways. Make sure to pull off safely on a quiet gravel road or public parking area. Be respectful of private property and avoid disturbing any nearby residences.

The Milky Way and Perseids over Castle Butte - Courtesy of @lostinsk

Getting the Most Out of Your Perseid Shower Viewing

Consider Lunar and Weather Conditions:

• Clear Skies: Heavy cloud cover or fog will obstruct your view. Check weather forecasts and use apps that predict cloud cover to choose a night with clear skies.
• Moon Phase: For the best visibility, go during a new moon or when the moon is not full. A bright moon can wash out the dimmer meteors, reducing the number you can see.
  

Note: At the time of publishing, August 12 (before dawn) is expected to have lower lunar visibility and less cloud coverage than August 13, making it a more optimal time to view the shower. Be sure to check local conditions a few days before the event.

Quick Tips for Photographing the Meteor Shower Using Your Phone Camera

In most cases you don’t need fancy equipment to capture the majesty of the Perseid shower. Consider the following if you’re hoping to snag an Instagram worthy photo using your smartphone:

• Use a Tripod: To keep your phone steady and avoid blurry images, use a tripod or a stable surface.
• Long Exposure Apps: Download a long exposure app to extend your phone's exposure time. This helps capture more light and details of the meteors.
• Adjust Settings: If your phone’s camera app allows, manually adjust the ISO to a higher setting (800 or more) and increase the exposure time to several seconds.
• Focus Manually: Set your camera to manual focus and adjust it to infinity to keep the meteors in sharp focus.
• Burst Mode: Use burst mode to take a series of photos in quick succession, increasing your chances of capturing a meteor.

What to Expect:

As the night deepens and the sky darkens, prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring celestial show. The Perseid meteor shower is renowned for its bright and fast meteors, often leaving dazzling trails that linger in the sky. You might see meteors streaking across the sky in bursts, with occasional fireballs that light up the night even more dramatically. The experience is not just visual—it's a moment of tranquility and connection with the cosmos. Lay back, let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and immerse yourself in the magic of nature's light show. Importantly, remember to practice patience. Meteor showers can be unpredictable. Sometimes the best meteors come in clusters after periods of inactivity. Stay for at least an hour to increase your chances of seeing something spectacular.

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