Perseid meteor shower 2019: 'Best meteor shower of the year' peaks this weekend

The Perseids are famous for their amazing night-time show - with the shower capable of producing anywhere up to 100 meteors an hour.

The meteors are called the Perseids because the point from where they appear is in the constellation Perseus.

And the good news is, they are so bright and vivid you don't need any special equipment to be able to watch and enjoy - just keep your are eyes open, as they might be bright but they are also very fast.

However, the performance could be ruined by cloudy skies.

The Perseids, originating from the Comet Swift-Tuttle, are active every year between mid-July and the last week of August.

This year, the Perseids is expected to peak between August 11, 12 and 13.

Astronomers suggest anywhere between 60 to 80 shooting stars could appear every hour.

But don't wait for the climax to look to the skies, as in the days leading to the shower’s peak meteors will be visable and there will also be less moonlight ruining the show.

As we are so close to a full moon, strong moonlight will sadly affect their visability, drowning many Perseids from view.

Getting out between Friday, August 9 and Sunday, August 11 as well, when the moonlight will be slight weaker, is recommended to maximise your chance of seeing as many as possible.

And don't forget, you can also see Perseids for 10 days or so after the peak mornings on August 11, 12 and 13.

NASA explains: “Perseids are known for their fireballs. Fireballs are larger explosions of light and colour that can persist longer than an average meteor streak.

“This is due to the fact that fireballs originate from larger particles of cometary material.

“Fireballs are also brighter.”

The Perseids are best seen when the skies are at their darkest, usually after midnight.

If possible, find an expanse away from inner city light and car pollution.

Meteors showers are best seen if you have an unobstructed view of the whole sky and horizon.