The best time to see the space spectacle will be between midnight and pre-dawn on Friday morning The Leonids are one of the most prolific annual meteor showers and are usually fast and bright. When visible, meteors are seen streaming from the head of the constellation Leo the Lion, hence the name. A tiny trail of debris is left by the comet as it follows its path around the sun. This enters Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 km (43 miles) per second, vaporizing and causing the streaks of light we call meteors. Stargazers do not need specialized equipment to view the display as it will be visible to the naked eye. However, a clear sky, some patience and as much darkness as possible will give people the best chance of seeing it – meaning rural areas away from city light pollution will provide the best viewing spots. The Met Office forecast for Thursday night is for rain to continue in some northern and north-easterly areas, heavy and persistent in places, especially over hills in eastern Scotland. But it predicts clearer skies in parts of the south and west. Meteors will be visible all over the sky, so an open area where the night sky can be scanned will help. Those who miss the peak of the shower tonight will still have a chance to catch a glimpse of the display as it continues for several days afterwards.
