British Columbia

First night of peak Perseid meteor shower grants wishes for shooting stars

Skygazers shared the many photos they captured of the Perseids, showing streaks of light sailing through B.C. sky

Photos shared online show streaks of light sailing acrss B.C. sky

Photographer Marshall Mak had his shutter speed set up nice and slow to capture the many meteors bursting through the sky above Desolation Sound, B.C. (Marshall Mak)

The first night of peak viewing of the Perseid meteor shower had stargazers gathering in the wee hours of Friday morning to experience the magic of shooting stars.

Even though it was a week night, many still stayed out all night at places like Porteau Cove and Desolation Sound, B.C. to catch the Perseids.

Some who were fortunate enough to see last night's shooting stars eagerly shared their photos online.

The perfect place

An "outburst" of 150 to 200 meteors an hour is expected during the shower's peak which continues over the next few days, according to Derek Kief, an astronomer with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.

But you need to be in places with little light pollution, he says.

Some people headed to Mount Seymour ahead of a viewing party planned for Friday night.

More tips and advice

Other viewing parties are being held over the next two nights around the Lower Mainland in Abbotsford and Aldergrove.

If you want to try your luck at home, read our expert's tips on where and when to look up so you're not left with just the lights of the city.