Denbighshire stargazers treated to Perseid meteor shower

It was proved as multiple meteor showers peaked in the night skies above the UK at the weekend.

Camera club member Mike Nawikas ventured out to Denbigh Moors to photograph the Perseid meteor shower and the Milky Way.

Photos of Perseid meteor shower above Denbigh Moors at the weekend. Photos by Mike Nawikas.

He found the perfect vantage point at Gwylfa Hiraethog.

Over the weekend, the Delta Aquariid shower and the Alpha Capricornid shower peaked on Saturday night and during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Photos of stars and meteors above Denbigh Moors at the weekend. Photos by Mike Nawikas.

Meanwhile, the Perseid meteor shower saw up to 100 “shooting stars” visible for about an hour at its peak.

The display is caused by Earth slamming into the debris left behind by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle in July and August each year.

The meteors seem to originate from the Perseus constellation.

Photos of stars and meteors above Denbigh Moors at the weekend. Photos by Mike Nawikas.

There are still opportunities to see this year’s meteor shower, which began last week, as it is not expected to peak until around August 13, and will continue until August 24.

The shower 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.

Photos of stars and meteors above Denbigh Moors at the weekend. Photos by Mike Nawikas.

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

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

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

The best time to view the shower is between midnight and 5.30am.