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Perseids: Meteor shower set to dazzle UK skies Perseids: Meteor shower set to dazzle UK skies
(about 1 hour later)
Stargazers across the UK are hoping for a dazzling display as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. Stargazers are hoping for a dazzling display as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak overnight.
The display has been widely anticipated this year as the shower will coincide with a new moon for the first time since 2007, creating a darkened sky.The display has been widely anticipated this year as the shower will coincide with a new moon for the first time since 2007, creating a darkened sky.
The shower will peak at 23:00 BST on Wednesday, but cloud cover may spoil visibility in some areas of the UK. Astronomers say 100 meteors an hour could be visible during the night, but cloud cover may spoil visibility.
Northern England, the Midlands, and areas of Scotland and Wales, should enjoy the best viewing conditions. Northern England, the Midlands, and areas of Scotland and Wales should enjoy the best viewing conditions.
Comet Swift-TuttleComet Swift-Tuttle
The Perseids - which are pieces of Comet Swift-Tuttle - are active each year from around 17 July to 24 August, although for most of that period only a few meteors an hour are visible.The Perseids - which are pieces of Comet Swift-Tuttle - are active each year from around 17 July to 24 August, although for most of that period only a few meteors an hour are visible.
The peak of the display occurs when the shower's "radiant" - the point from which the meteors appear to originate - is highest in the sky.The peak of the display occurs when the shower's "radiant" - the point from which the meteors appear to originate - is highest in the sky.
Astronomers say 100 meteors an hour could be visible at peak times.
The International Space Station (ISS) - which orbits earth every 90 minutes - is likely to also be visible for four minutes from 10:28 BST.
Prof Mark Bailey, the director of Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, said the Perseids were "one of the best and most reliable meteor showers of the year".Prof Mark Bailey, the director of Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, said the Perseids were "one of the best and most reliable meteor showers of the year".
Alan MacRobert, senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine, added: "The nearly moonless sky this year means the viewing will be excellent."Alan MacRobert, senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine, added: "The nearly moonless sky this year means the viewing will be excellent."
Marek Kakula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory said the comet dust would be "travelling faster than the speed of a bullet".Marek Kakula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory said the comet dust would be "travelling faster than the speed of a bullet".
"When when they hit the atmosphere, they burn up in a little streak of light that lasts for just a few seconds. But because there's lots of them, we might get quite a good display," he added."When when they hit the atmosphere, they burn up in a little streak of light that lasts for just a few seconds. But because there's lots of them, we might get quite a good display," he added.
For most people, meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Experts advise finding a dark location, away from artificial light, and an unobstructed view of the sky.For most people, meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Experts advise finding a dark location, away from artificial light, and an unobstructed view of the sky.
Reclining chairs or blankets are best for looking up at the sky in comfort.
UK weather forecasters say Wednesday night's clearest skies will be in southern Scotland, northern England and north Wales.UK weather forecasters say Wednesday night's clearest skies will be in southern Scotland, northern England and north Wales.
Although other parts of the UK are expected to be overcast, meteorologists say there could be breaks in the cloud cover.Although other parts of the UK are expected to be overcast, meteorologists say there could be breaks in the cloud cover.
Some skywatchers have already glimpsed Perseid meteors this week.Some skywatchers have already glimpsed Perseid meteors this week.
Chris Boundey spent Monday night at Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, saying the meteors "seemed to be coming thick and fast overhead".Chris Boundey spent Monday night at Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, saying the meteors "seemed to be coming thick and fast overhead".
Will you be watching the sky for this year's Perseid meteor light show? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories and pictures.Will you be watching the sky for this year's Perseid meteor light show? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories and pictures.
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