SHOOTING STARS
Watch as Perseid Meteor Shower 2022 lights up the night sky as stargazers look to the heavens for incredible display
THE Perseid meteor shower is set to light up the night skies for a third night running on Saturday as a heavenly display explodes above earth.
The shower peaked in the early hours of Saturday, with up to 150 shooting stars streaking through the sky per hour.
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But it will continue over the weekend offering a stunning display for stargazers across Britain.
The shower is considered one of the best of the year because it produces bright meteors and is one of the most active.
Its shooting stars leave distinctive “wakes” of light and colour, and the Perseids are well known for extraordinary fireballs which streak across the night sky brighter and longer than an average meteor.
The display is caused by Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.
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Stunning footage captured the galactic light show in full swing on Friday night as the shower showed off the true wonders of our universe.
The shower gets its name from the Perseus constellation which is where astronomers believe the meteors burst out from.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, noted that in 2022 the shower will be active between August 17 and 24.
Observers can look out for the shower wherever they are, but a clear sky with minimal light pollution offers the best chance of catching a glimpse.
One issue currently is that because of the full moon - the conditions are not ideal.
The August full moon is also known as the Sturgeon Moon, named by North American fishing tribes since the species appeared in number during this month.
Though Brits will still be able to catch a few glimpses if they keep their eyes peeled.
But all is not lost for stargazers.
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Saturn will be at its closest approach to earth on Sunday with its face fully illuminated by the sun.
It will be brighter than at any time of the year and you will be able to see it throughout the night.
STAR PUPILS
How to watch shooting stars:
- Make sure that you are in a dark sky area and have an unobstructed view towards the south
- Lie down on a blanket or sit in a lawn chair to ensure that you have a wide view of the sky
- Your naked eye is the best instrument to use to see meteors – don’t use binoculars or a telescope as these have narrow fields of view
- Allow your eyes to adapt to the dark and don’t look at any lights, or at your phone, to maintain your dark adaptation
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