One of the universe’s most dazzling displays is set to light up UK skies this week, and stargazers young and old won’t want to miss it.
The Perseid meteor shower will peak today, 13th August, offering one of the best chances to witness this celestial spectacle.
As part of their recent campaign exploring the best stargazing locations in the UK, experts at Select Van Leasing have shared their top tips for catching a glimpse.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseids occur annually when Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years. Recorded sightings date back nearly 2,000 years, with mentions in ancient Chinese records.
As the comet’s dust and rock fragments enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 37 miles per second, they burn up, creating the bright flashes we see in the night sky.
Top tips for watching the Perseids
Avoid light-polluted areas
“To get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower, avoid towns and city centres and head for a location with minimal light pollution. Rural areas or designated dark sky parks are ideal.
“Our stargazing report revealed that Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) is the best place in the UK to view meteor showers, followed by the Cairngorms National Park and Northumberland National Park.”
Plan your route in advance
“If you’re heading to a rural spot tonight or tomorrow, check your route ahead of time. Be aware of any road closures or weather disruptions, and tell friends or family where you’re going, especially as phone signal can be patchy.”
Check the weather forecast
“Clear skies are essential for meteor showers, so it is best to always check the forecast before you travel, as cloud cover can ruin visibility.”
Make sure your vehicle is road-ready
“Check that your tyres, windscreen wipers, and headlights are in working condition. In poor weather conditions, it may be safer to avoid driving altogether.”
Arrive early
“Your eyes take around 20 minutes to adjust to low light, so arrive ahead of time.
“The best viewing is after midnight, with the peak often just before sunrise, but those with little ones might want not want to stay up this late.”
Stock your vehicle with supplies
“Pack extra blankets, warm clothing, snacks, water, a torch, and phone chargers, especially if you’re bringing children.”
Bring something to sit or lie on
“If you’re planning to stay for a while, bring blankets, cushions, and camp chairs to sit on while stargazing.
“Ideally, you’ll want to lie flat on your back and look straight up, as meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. This will help avoid straining your neck while looking up at the sky and allow you to comfortably gaze upwards for long periods without discomfort.”
Use rural car parks
“Many people may not realise that numerous car parks in rural areas are actually recommended stargazing locations, thanks to their minimal light pollution and spacious, open settings. This makes them ideal for those driving to a designated spot, as you won’t have to venture far from your vehicle to enjoy a perfect view of the sky.”