The annual Geminids meteor shower is set to reach its peak above the UK this week, with the spectacle to be visible in back gardens across the country.
With more than 100 meteors an hour, the phenomenon has been dubbed โNatureโs own Christmas Lightsโ. Debris from the asteroid Phaethon, first spotted in 1862, is the reason behind the sudden lights show.
Stargazers hoping to spot it in the sky could be in luck, but your chances of enjoying it in all its glory depend very much on where you are and how much light pollution is in your area.
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The Geminids shower can be spotted from a number of cities in the UK, and a handy map of the best locations to see the stars has been drawn up. Those travelling to places where dark skies are prominent are advised by astronomers to sit on a chair and focus on one area of the sky for a while to allow your eyes to adjust – and then wait for the spectacle to begin.
This yearโs display started around December 4 and runs nearly up to Christmas Eve, reaching its peak on Thursday night (December 14) and Friday night (December 15). The absolute peak looks set to be 7.30pm on Thursday.
Astronomers advise looking at the sky with the naked eye and say there is no need for telescopes or binoculars when attempting to see the lights, that often appear multi-coloured (yellow, green and blue streaks).
Lit-up cities with the highest level of light pollution:
London
Manchester
Leeds
Glasgow
Birmingham
Salford
Liverpool
Sheffield
Newcastle
Aberdeen
Nottingham
Belfast
Dark sky places with the lowest level of light pollution:
St. Davids
Uckfield
Truro
Wells
Kendal
Ripon
Winchester
Eastbourne
Haverhill
Elgin
Chippenham
Ely
Salisbury
Folkestone
Hastings
Worthing
Chichester
Canterbury
Lancaster
Bath
Hereford
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