Nature will be putting on a nighttime light show, and the public can watch it at a viewing party on Saturday, Aug. 9.
The Perseids meteor showers will light up the August sky.
"Meteor Shower Watch is an event that has been going on for over 15 years," said Zoey Slater, a special events assistant with Metro Vancouver. "It allows participants to turn their attention to the night sky and be amazed. The timing of the event is during the Perseids meteor shower which occurs annually in August. Aldergrove Regional Park was chosen for the event because of the amazing star gazing opportunities because the sky is particularly dark there. Lights from the city can impact star gazing by creating light pollution, which reduces the visibility of stars and meteors."
Metro Vancouver has organized a Meteor Shower Watch in Aldergrove Regional Park, and all ages are welcome.
The eyes won't just be on the skies. The event includes the opportunity to chat with space enthusiasts and peek through telescopes. People can also take a planet walk along 1.5 kilometre lantern-lit trails in the park. There will be blacklight skits and other space-themed activities (galaxy maze, wishing tree, and interactive stations).
People are encouraged to bring a blanket so they can comfortably lie back and watch the constellations, as well as a chair, drinking water, flashlight, telescope, or binoculars. Slater added that people can download the free SkyView app to help with finding and identifying constellations.
Also taking part in the event will include Fraser Valley Regional Library, Wildlife Preservation Canada, 91原创 Environmental Partners Society, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Science World, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and Girl Guides.
Food trucks will include Fishing Panda (burgers and fries), Taco n鈥� Todo (tacos), Little Ooties (mini donuts), and GV on the Run (ice cream).
The meteor watch runs from 8 to 11 p.m. and all ages are welcome but children must be supervised by an adult and pets are not allowed. The event goes rain or shine.
"Evening temperatures can drop," Slater noted. "Dress in layers to stay comfortable outdoors."
The cost is $5 per person and $5 per vehicle for parking within the park.
"We can accommodate 600 vehicles with a maximum of eight participants per vehicle.
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There are five different entry times you can register for, which are: 7 p.m., 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, and 8 p.m. The entry times are staggered to help reduce traffic congestion, she explained.
On the night of the event, Lefeuvre Road between Huntingdon Road and 0 Avenue will be open to event traffic only.
In the past, there was no registration, and at one event, about 6,000 people showed up so now the meteor watch is more structured.
"Feedback on the event has been very positive," Slater said. "Participants have told us that it鈥檚 a great family-friendly event that gives them the opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe close to home."
