Skygazers in Ireland are looking forward to seeing shooting stars during the Orionid meteor shower this week.
The annual event is set to peak this Thursday and Friday.
The display features in Irish skies once a year as Earth passes through the debris left behind by Halley’s Comet – the most famous comet in the world. Orionids enter into Earth’s atmosphere at about 148,000 mph.
NASA says the Orionids “are considered to be one of the most beautiful showers of the year”.
But the bright Hunters Moon may spoil the view for many this year.
To see the shooting stars, it is recommended that people should find a dark spot, away from light pollution, and be prepared to wait.
NASA’s guide to seeing the show is: “The Orionids are viewable in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres during the hours after midnight. Find an area well away from city or street lights. Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. In less than 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient — the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”