What are they?

Meteors are dust particles in space, the remains of broken-up comets; which the orbit of the planet Earth passes through.
The meteor shower is seen from the surface of the Earth as the dust particles hit the Earth's atmosphere and burn up; creating an awesome display for the lucky inhabitants who may be sky-watching.
There are solitary ones occasionally, the fabled "shooting star"; and romantic-minded people like to make wishes on these unexpected occurances.
Most meteors are about the size of a grain of sand and fall silently. However, low-streaking ones have been heard to "whoosh" as they burn up.
Meteor showers are named after the constellation in which the radiant is located. The radiant is the origination of the meteor shower.

Planning your viewing

On a clear night, the best place to view this spectacular display is from a dark-sky viewing area, away from street lights.
No special equipment will be required. Viewing by naked eye is recommended as by the time you had trained a pair of binoculars in the direction of one, it would be gone before you could find it.
If your choice of viewing area is private property, be sure to attain the permission of the landowner.
Remember that the temperature will drop so you will need to be wearing several light layers of clothing, or wrap yourself in a sleeping-bag.
Flasks of soup, coffee and tea are also recommended for your vigil.

Dates to view