Starwatch: Perseids to peak in dazzling shower mid-month

Up to 100 meteors an hour will appear to emanate in all directions from their radiant point in Perseus constellation

It is the big one for meteor watchers. The annual Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak of activity on the night of 12 August going into the early hours of 13 August. The chart shows the view looking north-east from London at midnight.

The moon will have 50% of its visible surface illuminated, and will be setting near midnight, leaving the sky as dark as possible for seeing the fainter of the meteors.