What's the best place to view the Perseids Meteors in Vancouver, BC, or the Lower Mainlands?

Question

Any ideas on places and locations are great, and for the times is the best time at 11:00 and later on or 2:00 and later on? Because I've been hearing different things.

Thanks!

Answer 1

From Stardate Online:

"The next meteor shower is the Perseids on August 12, 2008. After the first-quarter moon sets, around 2 a.m., meteors should be more easily visible until dawn. You may see dozens of meteors per hour."

"If you live near a brightly lit city, drive away from the glow of city lights and toward the constellation from which the meteors will appear to radiate.

For example, drive north to view the Leonids. Driving south may lead you to darker skies, but the glow will dominate the northern horizon, where Leo rises. Perseid meteors will appear to "rain" into the atmosphere from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeast" (so drive Northeast if possible) "around 11 p.m. in mid-August.

After you've escaped the city glow, find a dark, secluded spot where oncoming car headlights will not periodically ruin your sensitive night vision. Look for state or city parks or other safe, dark sites.

Once you have settled at your observing spot, lay back or position yourself so the horizon appears at the edge of your peripheral vision, with the stars and sky filling your field of view. Meteors will instantly grab your attention as they streak by."

I would try to arrive on-site at 10 PM PDT and plan to stay until dawn.  The peak is supposed to be Aug 11-12, but there should be some good viewing from now until Aug 13-14.

Minnekhada Regional Park looks like it would be a good possibility, but you might want to stock up on bug repellant or mosquito nets.  The Large Zenith Telescope area would be pretty close to ideal if you can get thers.  Cyprus & Grouse Mountain ski areas would be good as well if you have access. Mt. Baker, WA would be good, but a very long drive.

Answer 2

They will peak between midnight the 12th, and 2-3 AM the 13th.

Get out away from any artificial lights. This will give you the best possible viewing. They are expecting about 60 an hour. Thats the third best this year. Dress warm if necessary and  bring an outdoor lounge chair where you can lay down facing the night sky.

Its fun to have a pad and pencit and keep a running count.

The best meteor shower i saw....we counted about 6 per minute and some times up to 20! It was awesome!

Here you go:http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing...