Members of the community are invited to come to the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) next weekend on Saturday, August 12, to take in unobstructed views of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. This special evening is one of the most spectacular meteor events to occur regularly, where it’s common to see 80 meteors an hour!

Astronomers Ken Tapping, Roland Kothes, Tom Landecker, Chris Purton and Ryan Ransom will guide your observations with enlightening talks, and the Royal Astronomical Society will reveal the splendors of the night sky with their telescopes. For comfortable skygazing, a blanket or lawn chair, and warm clothing is recommended. Should inclement weather (i.e. clouds, smoke) alter the quality of the meteor and telescope viewing, the grounds will still be open and talks presented.

Media outlets will have an opportunity to speak with astronomers from the NRC, take photos and look at the Perseids through telescopes provided by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Okanagan Centre. Members of the media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance by Friday, August 11, 2017, at 1 p.m. PT.

Date:

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Time:

7:15 p.m. PT (Gates open)

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. PT (Astronomer lead talks with Q&A)

9:30 – 11 p.m. PT (optimal meteor viewing)

Location:

Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory

717 White Lake Rd

Kaleden, BC (16 km South of Penticton)