Get Ready for the Perseid Meteor Shower in London, ON!

Hey, Londoners! It's that time of year again—the spectacular Perseid meteor shower is about to grace our skies. If you're into stargazing or just want a reason to enjoy the night outdoors, then this weekend is your moment! The Perseid meteor shower hits its peak on the night of August 11th and goes into the early hours of August 12th, giving us a stellar display of shooting stars.

Why the hype, you ask? The Perseid meteor shower is widely considered one of the best meteor showers of the year. With the potential to see up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal, dark sky conditions, it's a celestial event you won't want to miss. This year, conditions are set up pretty nicely—only a quarter moon will light up the sky, which means less interference from moonlight.

So, what's the deal with these meteors? The Perseids come from the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle as our Earth plows through its dusty trail. As these tiny particles combust upon entering our atmosphere, they create those breathtaking streaks of light we're all so excited to see.

Want the best experience? Here's our local tip: try to find a spot in or around London, ON, with minimal light pollution. If you can't make it out of the city, places like Fanshawe Conservation Area can offer a clearer view of the night sky. Be patient, bring a blanket, and keep looking up!

Now, let’s get technical for a sec. The meteors will appear to originate from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the east around 10 p.m. local time. But don't sweat it if you can't pinpoint Perseus. Meteors will be visible all over the sky, so just get comfy and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Extra bonus this year: There's a chance you might also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Given the sun’s recent activity, there's been an uptick in aurora displays. So, look out—you could get two awe-inspiring shows for the price of one.

For those of you who are up for photographing this dazzling event, you’ll need some basic gear to get started. A DSLR or a mirrorless camera with manual settings is crucial. Set your camera to a low f-stop (f/2.8 or lower is ideal), use a tripod for stability, and an intervalometer can help capture multiple frames without manual intervention.

A pro-tip for all aspiring astrophotographers: Position the radiant—the point where meteors seem to originate—towards the edge of your frame. Include some earthly landscape to add scale and interest to your shots. And remember, patience and a good bit of practice can yield some stunning results!

Make sure you dress appropriately; even in August, nights can get chilly. Also, carry some snacks and hot drinks to keep you cozy. Here’s to a fantastic night under the stars, London!