How to see shooting stars tonight as the meteor shower reaches its peak

Here’s everything you need to know about a meteor shower that could mean shooting stars will be visible across the UK tonight.

It’s time to grab your coats, head outside, and find a spot with minimal light, as another celestial event is set to grace our skies.

And no, for once, we’re not talking about the Northern Lights.

According to forecasts, tonight (17 November) marks the peak of the Leonid meteor shower.

Meteor showers, often called shooting stars, happen when debris left behind by comets enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of around 70 kilometres per second. The debris vaporises due to the speed, creating the streaks of light we see.

The Leonid meteors come from the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle and tend to peak around the middle of November each year.

To get the best view of the Leonids, experts from the Royal Museums Greenwich suggest finding a dark spot, free from light pollution, where you can see a wide stretch of sky with your feet pointing eastward.

They also recommend giving your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness, as this will increase your chances of spotting the meteors.

It’s predicted that around 10 to 15 meteors will be visible, so you’ll need to be patient and not expect a dazzling display within the first few minutes of looking.

If you’re brave enough to venture out to see the meteors, NASA suggests bringing a sleeping bag, blanket, or a comfortable chair to make your viewing more enjoyable.

Keep in mind that this meteor shower happens to coincide with a full moon, which may make it harder to see the meteors clearly.

Finally, don’t forget to check the weather forecast before heading out, as cloudy skies could spoil your chances of seeing the display.

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