Advertisement

Geminid meteor shower London 2018: Where to go stargazing in the capital

Meteor shower: Londoners could see the Geminid shower this weekend: Getty Images/Robin Lee
Meteor shower: Londoners could see the Geminid shower this weekend: Getty Images/Robin Lee

An evening under the stars will become a reality for many this week as the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak.

The event is caused by the stream of debris left behind by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, resulting in a number of multi-coloured flashes across the sky.

The most prominent viewing date falls between Thursday December 13 and Friday December 14.

The meteor shower can be seen without specialist equipment and is expected to be at its most visible between midnight and dawn on December 14.

Where to watch the Geminid meteor shower 2018?

It's recommended to find somewhere with dark skies, a clear horizon and little light pollution. which means London’s parks are fantastic options for stargazing in the capital.

Greenwich Park

The most famous observatory in the UK is found in the bounds of Greenwich Park, and it’s no surprise that the area has attracted countless stargazers down the years. The picturesque setting is the perfect place to pitch up your telescope, and the higher ground leading up to the observatory offer a fantastic view.

SE10 8XJ

The WaterWorks Nature Reserve

It might be a little way out from the centre of town, but this spot is easy enough to get up, being right by Lea Bridge station. While the site isn't always open, the public rights of way are and it's worth tripping up here as it's one of London's three certified Dark Sky Discovery Sites (the others are Regents Park and Grove Park). With low levels of light pollution, you're all but guaranteed a clear view of the sky.

E10 7QB

Morden Hall Park

Morden Hall Park is recognised by the national trust as one of the top spots for stargazing in London and the South East of England. Found near the banks of the River Wandle in South Mitcham, the park is located right next to the Morden underground station, on the southernmost tip of the Northern Line. It’s a little way out of town, but the views offered here are some of the finest you’ll find in the city.

SM4 5JD

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is already a popular spot for stargazers — there are reports of a lunar loving club who head to the pub for a top up before popping out to stare at the sky. The wood is probably your best bet for the least light pollution; though, of course, the trees might get in the way. Best of luck.

NW3 1BN

Regents Park

Regent’s Park is a popular place for stargazing all year round, with groups like the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers meeting regularly to take in the sights. It might be very close to central London, but you’ll escape the worst of the city’s light pollution and experience some of the biggest skies and uninterrupted views in London in the royal park. It’s a fantastic spot to take in the meteor shower in the north west of the city.

NW1 4NR

See the gallery below for images of the Draconid meteor shower, which took place earlier this year.