The annual Perseid meteor shower is set to light up UK skies this week, following a solar eclipse, with the best viewing times in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Best time to watch the Perseids
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, the ideal time to catch the Perseids will be between midnight and 5.30am on Thursday, while the solar eclipse will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening prior to sunset. Some observers may even spot meteors as soon as darkness descends, the society confirmed.
Each summer, the Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet, which triggers the Perseid shower. The meteoroids shed by the comet, the vast majority no larger than a grain of sand, ignite as they enter the Earth's atmosphere at 36 miles per second, producing a dazzling streak of light across the night sky.
How to view the meteor shower
The shower takes its name from the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate, within the constellation of Perseus. Those eager to witness the display have been advised to move away from artificial lighting, steer clear of urban areas where possible and find an unobstructed view of the sky.
Unlike many astronomical events, meteor showers require no specialist equipment and are simple to observe with the naked eye, the society noted. Although the shower is forecast to reach its peak overnight on 12 to 13 August, it will continue to be active until 24 August.
Weather forecast and safety tips
The Met Office is predicting clear skies across much of Britain from Wednesday night into Thursday morning. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse, experts have warned that specialist eclipse glasses are vital for safe viewing, as ordinary sunglasses fall well short of offering adequate protection.
