Leonid meteor shower: When and how to watch shooting stars this weekend
The Leonid meteor shower is expected to light up the night sky this weekend, treating stargazers to a dazzling display.
The not-so great British weather permitting, the best time to see the natural phenomenon will be after midnight in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Leonids – one of the more prolific annual meteor showers – are usually fast, bright meteors, and are associated with Comet Tempel-Tuttle as it passes through the sky.
The annual spectacle appears to stream from the head of the Leo constellation, hence its name.
A tiny path of debris is left by the comet as it follows its path around the Sun. It enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second, vaporising and causing the streaks of light we call meteors.
When is the Leonid meteor shower?
The best time to see the Leonid display will be between midnight Friday and before dawn in the early hours of Saturday. However, those missing out on the shower’s peak will still have a chance to glimpse the display as it continues for several days afterwards.
The shower is expected to peak with a rate of 15 meteors per hour.
How can I watch it in the UK?
Those planning to witness the natural display do not need specialist equipment as it will be visible to the naked eye.
However, a clear sky, a little patience and the darkest possible conditions – away from streetlights and other sources of light – will offer the best chance of seeing the Leonids.
The meteors will be visible in all parts of the sky, so a wide open space where the night sky can be scanned will help.
Where in the UK will have the best view of the Leonid meteor shower?
The best displays will be visible in central, southern and eastern parts of the UK, according to the Met Office, so long as there are breaks between rain showers.
Operational meteorologist Dan Stroud said: “We have a waxing moon this weekend so there should be dark skies.
“There will be a band of wind and heavy rain moving across the country, but by the time the sun goes down on Saturday, most of it should have cleared, and there will be some decent breaks between showers.
“It will be hit and miss, but there’s a chance of clear spells, especially the further east you are.”
Watch: Leonid meteor shower to light up skies above the UK this weekend
