The annual Perseid meteor shower is lighting up the skies over Cochrane and local stargazers are in for a treat.
The event runs from now until August 24, with peak activity expected between August 12 and 13. During those nights, viewers could see up to 100 meteors an hour.
“It's a late-night event for sure,” says local skygazer Tim Giese. “You’re not going to catch much at 7 or 8 p.m. You’ll want to head out after 10:30 or 11, and it gets better the later you stay out, right into the early morning.”
The meteor shower happens when Earth passes through a trail of debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. While the Perseids appear to radiate from the north-northeast, Giese says meteors can streak across any part of the sky.
“For the best view, get out of town,” he says. “Even 15 to 20 minutes away from Cochrane makes a big difference. You want a spot with dark skies and minimal light pollution.”
Ideal viewing conditions include a clear sky, low humidity, and no moonlight. But this year’s full moon on August 9 may interfere with visibility.
“Unfortunately, just as the shower peaks, the moon will be lighting up the whole sky,” says Giese. “You’ll still see the brightest meteors, but it won’t be nearly as dramatic.”
Giese recommends trying for darker skies either side of the full moon, especially around the new moon on July 24 or again on August 24.
“It might not be peak, but it’ll be dark, and you’ll still catch a good show.”
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No special equipment is needed, just patience and a wide-open view of the sky.
“Bring a blanket, bug spray, and dress warm,” says Giese. “An air mattress or a reclining chair helps. You’ll want to lie back and just look up.”
For up-to-date sky conditions, Giese recommends checking cleardarksky.com or the interactive map at timeanddate.com.
Popular local spots include Glenbow Ranch, Big Hill Springs, or even quiet country roads around Cochrane.