Perseid meteor shower to peak tonight over Lincolnshire with up to 150 meteors an hour - and a chance of fireballs
Clear skies forecast for this evening’s partial solar eclipse offer perfect viewing conditions for what could be a spectacular meteor shower over night.
The Perseid meteors will peak from midnight to 5am between August 12-13 as fragments from Comet Swift-Tuttle slam into the Earth’s atmosphere at up to 35 miles per second.
The annual event is thought to be one of the most dramatic astronomical displays due to the hourly rate of meteors – and the chance of seeing a fireball (very bright meteor).
In Lincolnshire, the best places to view the spectacle would be any open area with an unrestricted view of the sky - such as the beach, a park, hilltop, or a large garden away from light sources.
For the best chance of seeing the meteor shower, try the following:
• Head outside once the sky is fully dark
• Keep away from nearby light pollution
• Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark
• Find a spot with clear views of the sky, away from tall buildings and trees
• Use a free stargazing app to locate the constellation Perseus – the meteors will mostly come from this direction.
• If you don’t use an app, gaze in a north-easterly direction
• If you’re planning to be out for some time, try a recliner garden chair to reduce neck strain
Have you spotted or photographed any spectacular sights in the night skies over Lincolnshire? Email [email protected]