Orionid meteor shower 2019: Halley’s Comet fireballs to glitter across night skies in UK

Skygazers are set for a dazzling light display tomorrow as the Orionid meteor shower streaks through the night skies.

The celestial fireworks can be spotted with the naked eye twice a year, as Earth passes through an area of space peppered with chunks of debris from Halley's Comet.

This year’s shower is due to peak at around 11:30pm on Monday, producing around 20 meteors every hour.

Most people across the UK will get the chance to view the phenomenon, thanks to largely dry weather and clear skies tomorrow evening, forecasters have predicted.

The Met Office said that while Brits in the far north west and far south east of the country may have some clouds to contend with, most will get a good view of the spectacle.

The phenomenon gets its name from the Orion constellation - which is one of the brightest groups of stars in the sky.

Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer Anna Ross explained: "Meteors will be visible all over the sky but they will appear to originate from close to the star Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion, which will be in the east of the sky during that peak time."

Meteoroids from Halley's Comet strike the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of 148,000mph, burning up in streaking flashes of light.

"As both the Earth and Halley's comet have elliptical orbits around the Sun, these two intersect twice per year,” Ms Ross went on.

"This causes not only the Orionids, but also the Eta Aquarids meteor shower in May."

The Orionids will be visible in both northern and southern hemispheres until November 7.

“For the best chances to spot the Orionids, find a dark area of clear sky and allow around 20 minutes to let your eyes adapt to the dark,” Ms Ross said.

"It may also be advisable to lie down as you will be looking up for a long time."