The Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak tonight and here's how and where you can watch it.

Attention all stargazers! Tonight is your lucky night as the much-anticipated Perseid meteor shower will be gracing the skies across the country. Buckle up and get ready for an incredible display of up to 100 shooting stars per hour.

These meteors, scientifically known as fireballs, are known for their larger and more vibrant explosions of light that linger in the sky. This stunning phenomenon has been occurring for centuries and is caused by the Earth passing through a cloud of dust left behind by the Comet Swift-Tuttle. As this debris enters our atmosphere, it ignites and leaves behind dazzling trails of light.

Don't be fooled by their size, as these meteors are mostly no bigger than a grain of sand. However, when they enter our atmosphere at a staggering speed of 36 miles per second, they can reach temperatures ranging from 1,648°C to 5,537°C. This is what creates the spectacular shooting streams of light that we will witness tonight.

You may be wondering why they are called Perseids. Well, that's because they appear to originate from the constellation Perseus. NASA has even dubbed this event as the "best meteor shower of the year", so it's definitely not one to miss. But how can you catch this cosmic show?

First and foremost, it is recommended to find a dark and unobstructed area away from city lights. This will provide the clearest view of the meteor shower. And be patient, as it takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. So, bring along some snacks and enjoy the show!

According to Daniel Brown, an associate professor in astronomy at Nottingham Trent University, the best time to witness the main peak of the meteor shower is in the early hours of August 13. However, keep an eye out for a secondary peak, just in case it occurs.

For those of us in the UK, clear skies permitting, we should be able to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking event. So, grab your blankets, find a cozy spot, and prepare to be amazed by the "best meteor shower of the year". Happy stargazing!

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