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Hundreds shooting stars are once again lighting up the night sky across England, in one of the last great meteor showers year.
The Geminids meteor shower it was visible in the early hours of Saturday morning, with white streaks observed Northumberland that Somerset.
Striking photographs from keen observers have revealed the beautiful celestial sight which will return to British skies on Saturday night into Sunday – and remain active until December 20.
The shower – one of the most active of the year – is currently at its peak and stargazers are seizing the opportunity to potentially witness dozens shooting stars just a few hours apart.
Photographer Lee Reid drove an hour from his home in Newcastle to Lindisfarne, Northumberland, where clear skies allowed him to watch him shower.
“I could actually see meteors as I was driving up, and obviously I was getting quite excited,” Mr Reid said. “Lindisfarne seems to be my happy place… there was cloud behind me but much of the sky at about 5.30am in the North East was clear.
“It’s amazing because when you plan things for a few days and hope and pray for clear skies … so it’s good when the plan comes together.”
Known as a “meteor storm” due to the intensity of the shower, Geminids are one of the “most spectacular meteor showers year”, said physics researcher dr. Minjae Kim from the University of Warwick.
Next to the Quadrantids, Geminids meteor showers are only those that do not come from a comet. The shooting stars you can see lighting up the night sky may be caused by asteroid particles as small as grains of sand, Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) has said.
What’s the best way to see the Geminids?
The Geminid meteor shower is known to produce a maximum of 150 meteors per hour, according to RMG. In reality, the number that can be seen is significantly lower.
Unfortunately for this year’s downpour – which peaks on December 14 and 15 – the moon is full, which means viewing conditions are not favorable.
But it’s still the best chance to see a meteor shower all year. The museum advises you to bring a comfortable chair and wrap up warm, as meteor viewing is ultimately a “waiting game”.
Binoculars and telescopes are not needed because meteors can be seen with the naked eye. But don’t expect to see them as soon as you step outside – you’ll have to wait for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Don’t look at the moon or the stars. Instead, watch the darkest parts of the sky for the best chance of spotting a meteor.
Avoiding any light pollution around you – including street lights, roads and your home – gives you the best chance of spotting a meteor. Although meteors are visible in the night sky, they will often appear to originate in the constellation Gemini, RMG added.
Find a wide open space that will give you the best possible view of the sky, get comfortable and wait for the night spectacle to begin.