Saskatchewan Skies Set for Orionid Meteor Shower
Skywatchers in Saskatchewan have a chance to catch the Orionid meteor shower on Wednesday or Thursday evening, according to astrophotographer Tim Yaworski. The annual event features debris left over from a comet that orbits past Earth and the sun.
While Orionid meteors typically average around 20 per hour, viewing may present some challenges because the sky does not get completely dark. Yaworski notes that meteor showers are best observed from midnight onward, when the Earth rotates into their path.
To improve visibility, viewers are advised to travel roughly 20 minutes outside of urban areas like Saskatoon or Regina to escape light pollution. Observers should also allow their eyes 10 to 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness in a safe roadside spot.
Yaworski adds that meteors can be distinguished from satellites and airplanes by their quick flash, starting dim, peaking in brightness, and dimming again. Those hoping to photograph the event are encouraged to use a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens and interval exposures, noting that capturing a shot requires patience and luck.
