The Leonid meteor shower is set to dazzle stargazers this weekend as it sends bright lights shooting across the night sky.
It is one of the best opportunities of the year for people to admire passing meteors.
Despite often being referred to as “shooting stars”, the light streaks that meteors produce actually have nothing to do with stars.
Meteor showers are caused when Earth passes through a stream of meteoroids, which are pieces of debris left behind by a comet.
This particular night sky display is caused by the planet crossing the trail of Comet Tempel-Tuttle.
The tiny Leonid particles are some of the fastest-moving and brightest meteors, entering the Earth’s atmosphere at 70 kilometres per second (43.5 miles per second).
Where to see the Leonid meteor shower
Experts advise hopeful viewers to set up camp in a wide open space, away from street lights and sources of other light pollution.
Dr Ashley King, a planetary science researcher and meteorite expert, said that the darker the location, the better, and suggested to skywatchers: “You could go to the coast or stand on a hill in the middle of the countryside somewhere.”
When will it be seen and when does it peak?
The annual meteor shower has been taking place throughout the majority of November, but things are set to peak on Sunday (Nov 17) and the early hours of Monday morning.
The shower promises 10 meteors per hour at its peak. However, Dr King warned that a full moon before this may obscure all but the brightest meteors. Above all, stargazers must stay patient, she said.
How to see the shower
Luckily, there is no need for binoculars or a telescope because the meteors can be seen with the naked eye.
Experts advise those on the lookout should allow their eyes time to adjust to the night sky and bring a comfortable chair with plenty of blankets to wrap up warm.
How often is the Leonid meteor shower?
The Leonid meteor shower takes place annually between Nov 6 to 30.
