The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak this weekend and stargazers in Southampton could see up to 100 “shooting stars” being visible in an hour.

The display 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.

Observers can look out for the Perseid shower wherever they are, but a clear sky with minimal light pollution offers the best chance of catching a glimpse.

This year’s meteor shower is set to peak around August 13 with the best time to see it reportedly being between midnight and 5.30am.

Where is best to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Southampton?

If you are in Southampton you may have to travel a little bit away from the city to get the best view of the Perseid meteor shower.

According to the website Go Stargazing there are a few spots recommended for low levels of light pollution that are within a drivable distance.

These are listed as the following:

  • Roundhill Car Park (Bramshaw, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7HG)
  • Longcross Car Park (Bramshaw, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7LB)
  • Stoney Cross Car Park (Fritham, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7HH)
  • Bolderwood Car Park (New Forest National Park, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7GQ)
  • Cadman's Pool Car Park (Bramshaw, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7HL)

The maximum number of “shooting stars” observers are likely to see at the peak of the shower is 100 per hour.

Meanwhile, normal rates can see anywhere between 50 and 75 shooting stars in the sky every hour.