Come experience this annual astronomical phenomenon in one of Canada’s most treasured places. What could be more magical than watching meteors shoot across the sky in one of Canada’s most treasured places? You are invited to join Parks Canada staff and volunteer astronomers in Waterton Lakes National Park for a spectacle like no other, the Perseids meteor shower.
This special night sky viewing will take place on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 at 9 p.m. near the Falls Theatre, following our evening theatre programs. In the case of poor weather or cloudy skies, the event will become an indoor presentation in the Falls Theatre.
Please bring a blanket or chair, warm clothes, and binoculars or a spotting scope to fully enjoy this annual astronomical phenomenon. Staff and volunteers will be available to show you constellations, galaxies, nebulas and stars. A guided star “walk” will start the evening and there will be an opportunity to look at night sky features through telescopes.
With prairie skies and mountain views, Waterton Lakes National Park is a perfect destination for stargazing. The Bison Paddock, Red Rock Parkway and Cameron Bay are a few of the locations in the park ideal for observing the night sky thanks to limited artificial light. At this event, visitors will be able to more fully appreciate the night sky and why it need to protection.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is working to protect and preserve this amazing quality and achieve Dark Sky Preserve designation. This event highlights the cooperation between Canada and the United States by having staff and astronomy volunteers involved in protecting our night skies.
Cool star facts:
• Every year in August, the Perseids meteor shower occurs as a result of Earth passing through remnants of the Swift-Tuttle comet. This creates a dazzling show of shooting stars streaking across the sky.
• A Dark Sky Preserve designation would mean that Waterton and Glacier national parks – and their communities – are reducing the amount of artificial light at night. Waterton Lakes National Park is applying multiple strategies to reduce light pollution.
For more information please see the following links:
Event page : http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/