Perseid meteor shower: How and when to watch it in the North East

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the highlights of the year for many sky gazers due to its high hourly rate and bright meteors, caused by the Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August every year.

It is called the Perseids because the meteors seem to originate from the constellation of Perseus.

The shower is considered one of the best of the year because it produces bright meteors and is one of the most active.

There is also a high chance of seeing fireballs, which are very bright meteors, as well as meteors with long trains.

According to the Royal Astronomical Society, meteor showers are easy to watch and no special equipment is needed.

Experts suggest it is better to try to spot meteors when the Moon is below the horizon or when it is in its crescent phase, because otherwise it acts as natural light pollution and will prevent the fainter meteors from being visible.

The shower will continue until August 24.

August 12 and 13 are the peak of the showers.

When will the Perseid meteor shower be visible in the North East this weekend?

This year, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak during the night of Saturday, August 12, into the early hours of August 13, with up to 100 shooting stars an hour.

The best time to view the shower is reportedly between midnight and 5.30 am.

Where is it best to see the meteor showers in the North East?

The website Go Stargazing has a list of spots on its website that you could travel to from the North East to see the meteor shower.

You will need to travel a little distance from the region to have the best chance of seeing the shooting stars, as the light pollution is high.

If you lay down or sit to watch the shower, ensure your feet are facing southeast for the best view.

Additionally, make sure to turn off phones and torches 15 minutes before to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.