Stargazers in the UK were treated to a stunning display of the Perseid meteor shower last weekend, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky. Some lucky observers in northern areas like Northumbria, North Yorkshire, and Scotland even caught a double show with the northern lights adding to the spectacle.
Although the geomagnetic storm that caused the aurora borealis has calmed down, the meteor shower will still be visible until August 24th. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich hails the Perseids as one of the most captivating sights in the night sky during the summer months.
The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which swings by Earth every couple of decades. These meteors can reach speeds of up to 36 miles per second, leaving behind bright streaks of light in their wake.
For the best chance of catching a glimpse of the Perseids, experts recommend heading out between midnight and 5:30 am when the sky is at its darkest. It’s important to find a dark area away from city lights, avoid looking at your phone to preserve your night vision, and try to view the meteors using your peripheral vision for better sensitivity in low-light conditions.
National parks like the Lake District, Exmoor, and Snowdonia are great spots for unobstructed views of the meteor shower. If you’re in the city, elevated locations such as Hampstead Heath and the Royal Observatory in London offer clear visibility of the night sky.
Dr. Ed Bloomer, a senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory, points out that while watching the Perseids can be a fun group activity, the fleeting nature of these shooting stars makes it a personal and magical experience for each observer. So, grab a blanket, find a cozy spot under the night sky, and make a few wishes as you witness this celestial show unfold before your eyes.
