The Ursids meteor shower will peak this week, lighting up the night sky over the UK.
The peak occurs on two of the longest nights of the year, as well as a new moon, meaning the light won’t cloud your view of meteors.
The Ursa Meteors seem to come from the star Beta Ursa Minor in the constellation Ursa Minor, hence the stream’s name.
However, the actual source of the shooting stars is the debris stream left behind by Comet 8P/Tuttle.
Here’s how to watch a meteor shower and what else you need to know.
When is the Ursid meteor shower?
The Ursids meteor shower always falls in December. It is visible from 17 to 26 December, but peaks at night. December 22 and 23..
On a clear night, you can see up to 10 meteors per hour.
After peak nights, meteors will become less and less visible.
What are the best tips to see it?
The Royal Museums in Greenwich advise: “Meteor hunting, like all other astronomy, is a game of waiting, so it’s best to bring a comfortable chair with you to sit down and dress warmly, as you may be away for a while.
“They can be seen with the naked eye, so binoculars or a telescope are not needed, although you do need to adjust your eyes to the dark.”
He adds: “For the best conditions, you need to find a safe place away from street lights and other sources of light pollution.
“Meteors can be seen all over the sky, so it’s good to be in a wide open space where you can scan the night sky with your eyes. But if you follow the path of the meteors, it turns out that they are flying from the constellation Ursa Minor.
Source: I News
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