Whether you are wishing on a ‘shooting star’ or wondering about the likelihood of an asteroid ending life on earth, read on for more about the origins of comets, meteors and asteroids. Plus, discover how you can learn to observe asteroids for yourself.

 

 

 

Meteor shower guide 2021
Want to see shooting stars? Check the key dates for major meteor showers in the UK and how to see them in the night sky
21 amazing astronomy events in 2021
From spectacular meteor showers to bold new space missions, Royal Observatory astronomers pick their night sky highlights.
Comets
Comets have fascinated us for hundreds of years as they hurtled past Earth as celestial sprays of fire but they are only now at all understood. 
Lyrid meteor shower 2021: when and where to see it in the UK
What is it, when is it and where can I see the Lyrid meteor shower this year?
Perseid meteor shower 2021: When and where to see it in the UK
What is the Perseid meteor shower, when does it happen and how can I see it in 2021?
Quadrantid meteor shower: when and where to see it in the UK
Your guide to seeing one of the earliest meteor showers of the year
Geminid meteor shower 2021: when and where to see it in the UK
What is it, when is it and where can I see the Geminid meteor shower this year?
Taurid meteor shower 2021: when and where to see it in the UK
What is it, when is it and where can I see Taurid Meteor shower this year?
Leonid meteor shower 2021: when and where to see it in the UK
What is the Leonid meteor shower, when does it take place and how can I see it?
Delta Aquariid meteor shower 2021: When and where to see it in the UK
What is the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, when does it happen and how can I see it in 2021?