STARGAZERS in East Lancashire are due to be in for an astronomical treat tonight and tomorrow as the Orionid meteor shower is set to light up the sky.
Halley’s comet, which perhaps the most famous comet of all, hasn't been seen since the mid-1980s, and it won't be seen again until at least the year 2060.
However, if you look up in the sky tonight and tomorrow night, you may be able to witness a reminder of the comet's passing as the shower is expected to peak.
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Each year in mid-October, Earth passes through a dust and debris trail left by Halley's Comet which is visible to the naked eye.
The debris burns up in Earth's atmosphere, creating a spectacular display where as many as 20 to 30 meteors are produced per hour.
It is named after the constellation Orion, as it is said to look like the objects originating from the constellation.
The best viewing time is expected to be from midnight as light from the sun is at its lowest.
NASA’s advice for viewing the shower is to head outside pre dawn and look up. The display will be framed by some of the prettiest stars in the night sky. In addition to Orionids, stargazers should be able to see the Dog Star Sirius, bright winter constellations such as Orion, Gemini and Taurus, and the planet Jupiter.
If cloud cover obscures your view you can watch it on a live stream from NASA starting at 10pm at www.nasa.gov/watchtheskies/orionid-meteor-shower-oct2014
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