The annual Perseid meteor shower is set to follow a solar eclipse this Wednesday night, offering astronomy enthusiasts a spectacular treat. Widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking displays of the year, the shower will be visible throughout the UK providing skies remain clear, according to the Royal Astronomical Society.
Peak viewing times
The optimum time to witness the Perseids will be in the early hours of Thursday morning, between midnight and 5.30am, while the solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening prior to sunset. Some observers may even catch a glimpse of meteors as soon as darkness falls, the society confirmed.
Why the Perseids occur
Each summer, the Earth collides with a trail of debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which triggers the Perseid shower. The meteoroids shed by the comet, the majority no larger than a grain of sand, ignite as they strike the Earth's atmosphere at 36 miles per second, creating a brilliant streak of light across the night sky.
How to observe the shower
The shower takes its name from the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge, within the constellation of Perseus. Those keen to witness the display have been urged to move away from artificial lighting, avoid urban areas where possible and seek out an unobstructed view of the sky. Unlike numerous astronomical events, meteor showers require no specialist equipment and are straightforward to observe, the society noted.
While the shower is expected to peak overnight on 12 to 13 August, it will remain active until 24 August. The Met Office predicts clear conditions across most of Britain on Wednesday night through to Thursday morning. Anyone hoping to witness the solar eclipse should note that specialists have cautioned eclipse glasses are essential for safe observation, with ordinary sunglasses providing inadequate protection.
