Every year, a large number of Perseids, known as meteors, cross the skies of Quebec and astronomy enthusiasts will be able to enjoy them this weekend.
The Montreal Planetarium says the phenomenon should begin Saturday evening and end Monday.
Weather conditions are favorable for the first night, Environment Canada meteorologist Gregory Young confirmed. “Although there are a few showers in the middle of the evening, it should calm down,” he told QMI.
The expert explains that he cannot guarantee anything.
The best night to see the Perseids in Quebec should be from August 11 to 12, according to the Planetarium. “Under the sky […] “Extremely clear and without light pollution, we can hope for rates approaching 50 meteors per hour, on the morning of August 12.”
However, rain could hinder the Perseids' visibility, according to Mr. Yang. The system coming from northern Ontario will bring rain to much of the province, especially southern and central Quebec.
No instrument is needed to observe this phenomenon. “We just have to lie down on the ground, so we can see as much of the sky as possible, ideally away from light pollution,” explains astronomer Julie Bolduc in an interview with QUB Radio.
“The view will be best after midnight,” she added, noting that she could not pinpoint the hours when the phenomenon would be most suitable for viewing.
Lac-Mégantic Reserve is also a great place for astronomy enthusiasts.
For those who don't live in the area, mI Bolduc simply recommends staying away from big cities with a lot of light pollution in order to get the best possible view.
Why do we see falling stars?
Around mid-August each year, Earth comes “very close to the orbit of periodic comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle,” according to the Planetarium. This trail is then covered in billions of dust particles, causing the Perseid meteor shower.
The moon will also play a role, says M.I Bolduc. “More [elle] The brighter the sky, the less we see of the falling stars.
Some will also be visible after Sunday night into Monday, but they will be fewer in number. “We see it for about a week,” she explains.
