Skygazers can look out for multiple meteor showers as they peak in the night skies above the UK this weekend and Bolton residents can try to spot them.
The Delta Aquariid shower and the Alpha Capricornid shower peak on Saturday night and during the early hours of Sunday morning.
If you want to try and catch a glimpse of the meteor showers, here’s how you can.
How to see the Delta Aquariid shower and the Alpha Capricornid shower in Bolton
Special equipment isn’t needed to see the Alpha Capricornid, however, the weather could make it more difficult to see if it’s cloudy.
The meteors in the shower can be seen in any part of the sky so make sure you have a clear view that isn’t obstructed by trees, buildings or street lights.
The peak for the Delta Aquariid shower is expected at around 2am on Sunday morning, though meteors will continue to fly steadily through the early weeks of August as well as this weekend.
A third meteor shower, the Perseid meteor shower, is also currently occurring, with up to 100 “shooting stars” being visible in an hour at its peak.
The display is caused by Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August each year.
The meteors seem to originate from the Perseus constellation.
The shower is considered one of the best of the year because it produces bright meteors and is one of the most active.
There is also a high chance of seeing fireballs, which are very bright meteors, as well as meteors with long trains.
To see it in Bolton, the sky will need to be clear with minimal light pollution.
The maximum number of “shooting stars” observers are likely to see at the peak of the shower is 100 per hour.
While normal rates can see anywhere between 50 and 75 shooting stars in the sky every hour.
This year’s meteor shower, which began last week, is expected to peak around August 13, and will continue until August 24.
The best time to view the shower is between midnight and 5.30am.
Met Office weather forecast for Bolton this weekend
If you’re wondering if the weather will work in your favour and help you see the meteor showers in Bolton, look no further as the Met Office has released the local forecast.
Saturday, July 29
In Bolton, Saturday will see cloudy conditions changing to sunny intervals by late morning but the night sky is set to be partly cloudy.
Temperatures are expected to hit 19C at 4pm.
Sunday, July 30
On Sunday, Bolton is expected to see light showers throughout the day and the evening is set to be cloudy.
Temperatures are expected to hit 17C between 1pm and 7pm.
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